Restless Leg Syndrome
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
What is restless leg syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome is a common cause of painful legs. The leg pain of
restless leg syndrome typically
eases with motion of the legs and becomes more noticeable at
rest. Restless leg syndrome also features worsening of symptoms
during the early evening or later at night. The characteristic
nighttime worsening of symptoms in persons with restless legs syndrome frequency leads to insomnia.
Restless leg syndrome usually begins slowly. Over time, the legs become more affected. Less frequently,
restless leg syndrome can affect the arms.
What causes restless leg syndrome?
The cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown in most patients.
However, restless leg syndrome has been associated with pregnancy, obesity, smoking, iron deficiency and anemia, nerve
disease, polyneuropathy (which can be associated with hypothyroidism, heavy metal toxicity, toxins, and many other conditions), other
hormone disease, such as diabetes, and kidney failure (which can
be associated with vitamin and mineral deficiency). Some drugs and medications have been associated with restless leg syndrome including caffeine, alcohol, H2-histamine blockers (such as Zantac and Tagamet), and certain antidepressants (such as Elavil).
Occasionally, restless legs run in families. Recent studies have shown that restless leg syndrome appears to become more common with age.
Next: Can other conditions mimic restless leg syndrome? »
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