Restless leg syndrome, sometimes referred to as restless legs syndrome or RLS, is a spectrum disease in which suffers report a number of odd leg sensations in varying degrees. This can include a tickling sensation or a burning sensation, along with an irresistible urge to kick or otherwise move one's legs. It is often worst when a person sits or lies down for a prolonged period of time, such as bedtime, and often goes away when the person moves his legs. Although the exact causes of restless leg syndrome are not known, there are a few theories. Some researchers believe that this disorder is genetic, and certain medical conditions and medications can also cause these types of symptoms.
Recent research has shown that one of the restless leg syndrome causes may be genetics. Many sufferers of this disorder typically start experiencing the symptoms late in life. Those with a possible genetic link, however, seem to experience the symptoms earlier.
Other common restless leg syndrome causes are certain underlying conditions of which a person may not be aware. Many times, treating this condition is enough to give the patient some sort of relief. Kidney failure, iron deficiency, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and some autoimmune disorders have all been associated with RLS. Peripheral neuropathy is another condition that can cause or worsen these symptoms. This is a disease that is caused by some sort of nerve damage and creates numbness, pain, or tingling in a patients' hands and feet.
It is also not uncommon for women who are pregnant to develop restless leg syndrome. The symptoms of this disorder, however, typically present themselves late into the pregnancy, generally during the last trimester. It will often disappear completely about a month after her baby is born.
A number of studies show that some medications can also cause or worsen this disorder. If a patient believes that the medication that he is on could possibly be one of his restless leg syndrome causes, he should speak with his doctor. Many times, the medication can be changed or eliminated altogether. A patient should never stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting his doctor first, though.
Certain cold medications, especially ones with antihistamines, have been known to be one of the restless leg syndrome causes. It can also be a withdrawal symptom from certain sedatives or sleeping pills that contain benzodiazapines. Anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and SSRI antidepressants have also been known to cause restless leg syndrome, or make the symptoms worse.
