Managing Restless Legs Syndrome with Medical Cannabis
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological condition that is thought to affect around 10% of people in the UK. It can affect anyone at any stage in life, though women are twice as likely to develop the condition and it is more common in middle age. RLS is characterised by an overwhelming and uncontrollable urge to move the legs.
What are the symptoms?
While an uncontrollable urge to move the legs is the main symptom associated with RLS, other symptoms can include:
- An unpleasant crawling or creeping sensation in the feet, calves, and thighs
- Involuntary jerking of the arms and legs (periodic limb movements in sleep – PLMS)
These symptoms are often worse in the evening or at night and may range from occurring occasionally to daily. RLS symptoms can range from mild to severe and can cause significant distress and disruption to a person’s quality of life.
Cause and treatment
In the majority of cases, there is no clear cause of RLS –this is known as idiopathic or primary restless legs syndrome. However, it may run in families. There is also a connection between RLS and pregnancy, with around 1 in 5 pregnant women experiencing some symptoms of RLS in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Symptoms usually disappear after the birth of the child.
Some neurologists think that RLS may be connected how the body handles dopamine – a chemical that plays a vital role in the controlling muscle movement. However, in some cases, RLS is caused by an underlying health condition such as iron deficiency anaemia or kidney failure – this is known as secondary Restless Legs Syndrome.
Cases of RLS that are not linked to an underlying health condition may not require treatment, other than making a few lifestyle changes, such as adopting good sleep conditions (for example, following a regular bedtime ritual, sleeping regular hours, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine late at night), exercising regularly and quitting smoking.
However, in more severe cases, medication may be needed to regulate the levels of dopamine and iron in the body.
Medical Cannabis and Restless Legs Syndrome
In severe cases of RLS where traditional treatment options have failed, medical cannabis products may be considered. Some studies have found promising evidence that cannabinoids can help to reduce the symptoms of RLS. For example, a 2020 study found “a remarkable and total remission of RLS symptoms following cannabis use.”
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help relieve symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?
Yes, medical cannabis may offer relief for patients with RLS by helping to reduce nerve discomfort, muscle tension, and sleep disruption. At Cantourage Clinic, we assess each patient’s case to see if cannabis-based treatments can help when conventional therapies haven’t been successful.
Is medical cannabis legally available for treating RLS in the UK?
Absolutely. In the UK, medical cannabis can be prescribed by a specialist for chronic conditions like RLS, particularly when standard treatments haven’t worked. Cantourage Clinic operates within the UK’s legal framework to provide safe, regulated access to cannabis-based medicines.
What RLS symptoms might medical cannabis help with?
Patients often experience improvement in sleep quality, reduced leg discomfort at night, and better overall rest. Our clinicians at Cantourage Clinic tailor each prescription to address specific symptoms—often using balanced or CBD-led formulations to manage sensory nerve issues without excessive sedation.
How do I start medical cannabis treatment for RLS with Cantourage Clinic?
It begins with a clinical consultation. Our doctors will assess your medical history, symptom severity, and previous treatment responses. If you’re eligible, we’ll develop a personalised treatment plan and support you through every stage of your cannabis-based care journey.