Even though restless legs syndrome doesn't lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from bothersome to incapacitating. In effect, it's common for symptoms to fluctuate in severity, and occasionally symptoms disappear for periods of time.
RLS can develop at any age, even during childhood. Lots of adults who have RLS can recall being told as a child that they had growing pains or can remember parents rubbing their legs to help them fall asleep. Make sure, the disorder is more common with increasing age. Causes
In many instances, no known cause for restless legs syndrome exists. Researchers infer the condition may be due to an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamineæ this chemical sends messages to control muscle movement.
Restless legs syndrome runs in families in up to half of people with RLS, especially if the condition started at an early age. Researchers have notorious sites on the chromosomes where genes for RLS may be present.
- Stress tends to worsen the symptoms of RLS.
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen RLS signs and symptoms.
Some women endure RLS for the first time during pregnancy, especially during their last trimester. Nevertheless, for most of these women, signs and symptoms usually disappear about a month after delivery.
Mainly, restless legs syndrome isn't related to a serious underlying medical problem. Nonetheless, RLS sometimes accompanies other conditions, such as:
• Peripheral neuropathy. This damage to the nerves in your hands and feet is sometimes due to chronic diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism.
• Iron deficiency. Even without anemia, iron deficiency can cause or worsen restless legs syndrome.
- If you have a history of bleeding from your stomach or bowels, experience heavy menstrual periods or repeatedly donate blood, you may have iron deficiency.
• Kidney failure. If you have kidney failure, you also may have iron deficiency.
- When the kidney fails to function properly, iron stores in your blood can decrease. This, along with other changes in body chemistry, may cause or worsen RLS.
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