A syndrome characterized by unbearable discomfort in the deep part of the lower leg during rest, which can be temporarily relieved by exercise or massage.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. It mainly manifests as an unbearable crawling sensation, cutaneous pruritus, or stabbing pain in the deep parts of both calves during rest. The symptoms are often bilateral, though one side may be more pronounced, and occasionally may extend to the upper limbs. Moving the affected limb, changing posture, or walking can alleviate the symptoms, which may reappear after stopping activity. This often compels the patient to constantly move their lower limbs, pace indoors, or pound the affected area, thereby affecting sleep. The course of the disease can last for several years.

2. Except for a few cases with anemia, physical examinations and laboratory tests usually show no positive findings.

3. It should be differentiated from gastrocnemius muscle spasms, hyperplastic spondylitis, vascular occlusive diseases, etc.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. For cases with a clear disease cause, treatment targeting the disease cause should be administered.

2. For mild cases, appropriate tuina or lower limb exercises can alleviate symptoms, or sedatives may be given.

3. Drug Therapy

(1) Papaverine 15–30mg, 3 times/day. (2) Nitroglycerin, 0.5–1mg, sublingual administration during episodes. (3) Nitroglycerin patch (containing 0.1mg), applied to acupoints such as Zusanli (ST36) and Xuanzhong (GB39). (4) 654-2 10mg, intramuscular injection or oral administration. (5) Dipyridamole 25–50mg, 3 times/day. (6) 706 Plasma Substitute 250–500ml, intravenous drip, once/day. (7) Clonazepam 1–3mg, 3 times/day. (8) Carbamazepine 0.1g, 3 times/day. (9) Levodopa 100–200mg, once before bedtime.

Use 1% Procaine 20ml for sacral canal or lumbar sympathetic ganglion block, once every 2 days. Repeat for 7–10 sessions.