Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) as "a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings." Some patients classify the sensations of RLS as an uncomfortable tugging, tingling or a creeping feeling in the legs, while others describe a painful burning sensation. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but scientific speculation as to the causes has been advanced.
Iron Levels
Low iron levels and medically identified anemia have been linked to RLS. The RLS Foundation notes that treatment of anemia and iron replacement therapy may eliminate the symptoms of the disease.
Chronic Diseases
Certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes and kidney failure, are linked with RLS by research scientists. People diagnosed with Parkinson's disease frequently have RLS, although medical researchers are not able to provide a reason for this link. After treatment of the chronic disease, the severity and frequency of RLS declined, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment for Parkinson's disease frequently reduces the severity of RLS conditions.
Pregnancy
Women in the last trimester of pregnancy sometimes, though rarely, have RLS symptoms. The RLS Foundation reports that the symptoms typically disappear without medication or treatment, usually within a month of delivery of the baby.
Medication Side Effects
NINDS reports that cold and allergy medications may aggravate RLS symptoms. Other prescription drugs, including antipsychotic, antiseizure and antinausea medications, also aggravate or trigger RLS sensations. When the drugs are removed from the body, the RLS feelings disappear. Only certain drugs within the categories trigger RLS, so alternative medications may be substituted to treat diseases without the RLS side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Addictive Drugs
Tobacco, alcohol and caffeine have been identified as triggers for RLS symptoms. This usually occurs at bedtime, when people relax the legs for rest. Abstaining from use of these substances reduces the severity of RLS, according to NINDS.
Genetic Condition
RLS may be an inherited disease. The Mayo Clinic reports that nearly half of sufferers cite family members with the disease, and notes that researchers have located potential RLS sites on DNA. Additional DNA mapping research may identify specific genetic sequencing or damaged genes that will aid in the treatment of RLS.
