What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

The Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is also known as Ekbom Syndrome or Jimmy Legs.



It is defined as an involuntary jerk movement in the legs or the feet which happens mostly at night while you are sleeping. The leg jerks involuntarily without the knowledge of the person who is suffering from it. It is closely related to Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS). Low iron levels or anemia is considered to be one of the main causes of restless leg syndrome. Due to lack of nutrients, the muscles in the body produce an involuntary jerk which cannot be controlled. This effect is not only seen in legs and feet but also arms. Some people may experience this condition on a daily basis and suffer from restless legs for years. Family history, such as a genetic form of the disorder is considered to the main cause of restless leg syndrome. Stress is also regarded to give rise to the restless leg syndrome.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome can be described as a condition where a person experiences discomfort in the legs, like twitching legs, while sitting or lying down.



Due to this uncomfortable feeling, the person feels like getting up and moving around, even while resting. After moving around a bit, this unpleasant feeling of restlessness in the legs goes away for a short period of time. Although this condition can affect a person at any age, it is more common as people become older. Moreover, this condition is more common in women, than it is in men. Hence, it is possible for this syndrome to disrupt a person’s sleep, which in turn leads to fatigue and daytime drowsiness. This condition could also be a challenge when people need to travel longer distances.

Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome

Health experts are still not sure what exactly the restless legs at night causes are; however, researchers state that the condition is a result of an imbalance in the brain chemical, known as dopamine. This is the chemical that sends messages to the muscles, to control movement. Some of the common factors that could lead to rest restless legs at night include:

• Heredity: It has been seen that when restless leg syndrome runs in a family, up to 50% of all the members are usually affected. Research has highlighted sites on those chromosomes, where the genes for this syndrome may be present.
  
  
  
  

• Deficiency of Iron: The deficiency of iron in the body can aggravate or even cause restless leg syndrome in a person. This could also occur in those people who do not suffer from anemia. Iron deficiency can be seen in those people who have a history of bleeding from the bowels, heavy menstrual flow or donate blood on a regular basis.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: There are many chronic health problems, such as alcoholism or diabetes, which can lead to damage in the nerves, in the legs, which in turn could result in a person experiencing twitching legs after exercise, walking or even while sleeping.

• Pregnancy: It is absolutely normal for a woman to experience several hormonal changes, during the course of pregnancy. There are some women who experience restless legs in pregnancy for the first time. In case of women who are already suffering from this condition, restless legs at night during pregnancy could get worse.

• Kidney Failure: People who suffer from kidney problems, especially kidney failure are likely to have iron deficiency accompanied by anemia, which causes or worsens restless leg syndrome.

Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms

There are certain unpleasant sensations that people experience in their thighs, calves, feet and perhaps even arms, when suffering from restless legs syndrome. Some of the uncomfortable feelings experienced by people include:

• Tingling or twitching legs after walking or engaging in any activity

• Cramps or pain in the legs

• Itchiness, ache or a burning sensation

• Pulling or tugging feeling

• Tensing up of the legs

• Numbness or a dull ache

Most of the restless legs at night symptoms follow a specific pattern.



Given below are the common characteristics of restless leg syndrome:

• The sensation starts during a period of inactivity like sitting still or lying down

• The pain or discomfort lessens, when a person gets up and moves around a little

• As the day progresses, the symptoms tend to get worse

• Intensifying of the discomfort at night, which could lead to twitching legs while sleeping and therefore disruption of sleep

Most people who experience these symptoms do not really seek any form of treatment for restless leg syndrome, mainly because they believe that their condition will not be taken seriously. Moreover, the sensation they experience may be hard to describe to a medical health care provider. This is probably why there are many doctors who have attributed such symptoms to anxiety and nervousness in the past. However, in the last few years, people are becoming more aware of this health condition, which is why all people are strongly advised to consult a doctor for restless legs at night treatment, as soon as possible.

Restless Leg Syndrome Cures

There are certain medicines that can be recommended for restless legs relief. However, if the condition is caused by other underlying conditions, then those need to be addressed first. There are many supplements too that can help control conditions such as iron deficiency, which is regarded as of the restless leg syndrome remedies. Some of the prescription medicines which are a part of the medication therapy include:

• Medication for Parkinson’s disease

• Muscle relaxants

• Sleep medication

• Opioids

• Epilepsy medication

The treatment for restless leg syndrome through medication therapy may take some trial and error, till the right combination is found. Most parents prefer to adopt a different form of treatment for restless leg syndrome in children.



There are several home and natural remedies for restless leg syndrome that can be very effective in controlling the symptoms of this condition. Given below are some of the commonly used home remedies for restless leg syndrome:

• Soaking in a warm bath and massaging the legs so that the muscles can relax

• Applying warm and cold packs alternately, as a form of heat and cold therapy to lessen the sensation in the limbs

• Adopting relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, for reducing stress and tension in the body

• Establishing a proper routine, which ensures that a person gets an adequate amount of rest and sleep

• Getting a moderate amount of exercise, preferably during the earlier part of the day, without overdoing it 

• Cutting down on any products that contain caffeine, which includes chocolate and colas

• Reducing the possibility of feeling drowsy or getting bored during the evening, by engaging in other interesting activities

Restless leg syndrome is usually a life long condition, but it can be controlled by following certain coping strategies. In order to deal with this condition and the discomfort caused by it, people are strongly advised to seek help from family, friends and professionals.

Massage and Other Alternative Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)