Reasons for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), is a condition that affects nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population. Restless leg syndrome is when you feel a tingling and restless feeling in your feet and legs. The only way to relieve the discomfort is to get up and move around and try to shake that feeling out. This condition should be discussed with a doctor and carefully followed in order to give yourself the proper and correct treatment. There are many reasons why you may be experiencing restless leg syndrome.

Low Dopamine

• Unbalanced or low levels of dopamine in the brain can be one reason you are experiencing restless leg syndrome. This chemical in the brain is responsible for your body's movement. This chemical lowers in the evening.

Low Iron

• Low iron levels can cause dopamine to be at a low level. This is why some cases of RLS are linked to low iron.

Pregnancy

• Pregnancy is also a cause of RLS. However, in most cases, women who get RLS during pregnancy lose it after the pregnancy is over.

Chronic Diseases

• Chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, kidney disease or sleep apnea can also be a cause. Treating these underlying issues should help relieve your RLS.

Thyroid Condition

• If you have thyroid problems, you may also experience RLS. However, if you are receiving treatment for your thyroid condition, you may be relived of the restless leg syndrome as well.

Other Causes

• Spinal cord problems are also known to cause restless leg syndrome. Alcoholism also is known to cause RLS, but recovery from alcoholism may produce remission from RLS as well.