Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

• Restless leg syndrome is a condition marked by unpleasant leg sensations at bedtime.
• Restless leg syndrome frequency leads to insomnia.
• The cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown in most individuals, but many conditions have been associated with it.
• Treatment of restless leg syndrome is directed toward any underlying illness, if known.
• Medications are available for restless leg syndrome.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS, restless legs 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 and leg pain during the early evening or later at night.

Restless leg syndrome is often abbreviated RLS; it has also been termed shaking leg syndrome. Nighttime involuntary jerking of the legs during sleep are also known as periodic leg/limb movement disorder.

The cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown in most people. 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 diseases 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 ranitidine [Zantac] and cimetidine [Tagamet]), and certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline [Elavil, Endep]).

Occasionally, restless leg syndrome run in families. Recent studies have shown that restless leg syndrome appears to become more common as a person ages. Also, poor venous circulation of the legs (such as with varicose veins) can cause restless leg syndrome.

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/restless_leg_syndrome/article.htm