Male: Restless legs syndrome affects millions of American’s most of them wish they could better understand the root cause of their frustrating problem.
Female: Restless legs syndrome is incurable condition characterized by discomfort in the muscles of the legs generally leading to the uncontrollable urge to move around for relief. RLS affects up to 12 million people in the United States but what cause is the sensation of restlessness. No one is certain of the exact cause of RLS but researchers theorized that the condition maybe due to an imbalance of the neurotransmitter dopamine. A versatile brain chemical dopamine sends messages to the body which modulate muscle activity it is theorize that RLS may run in families in fact almost 50% of people with restless legs report having a family member with the same condition.
Despite a possible hereditary connection however most cases of RLS have no known cause this is known as primary or idiopathic RLS. In secondary RLS the other form of this disease, the symptoms are due to another underlying medical condition and usually disappear when that problem is treated. One of the most common causes of secondary RLS is iron deficiency anemia which is characterized by low levels of hemoglobin within the blood. Hemoglobin is the proteins that carries oxygen and makes blood appear red. Kidney disease and kidney failure cause secondary RLS for the same reason when the kidney fails to function properly iron stores in the blood decrease and restless legs can result.
Damage to the nerves of the arms and the legs is known as peripheral neuropathy and is another source of secondary RLS. Peripheral neuropathy is seen in the variety of diseases including diabetes HIV infection and alcoholism. Another recognized cause of RLS is pregnancy up to 40% of pregnant women experience restless legs prior to giving birth. Certain prescription medications can actually cause RLS including anti depressants like Paroxetine paxil and anticonvulsants such as dilantin or Phenytoin. Data blockers like propranolol and H2 blockers like Zantak have also been shown to contribute to the problem in other cases alcohol, caffeine or cigarette smoking can exacerbate or even cause the symptoms or RLS. But whether RLS is idiopathic or secondary it is uncomfortable symptoms can generally be treated with both lifestyle changes and medications. Because of the debilitating symptoms of this conditions are treatable it is important to see your Doctor if you have concerns about restless legs syndrome.
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