07.12.23
Possible Restless Leg Syndrome Causes
Restless leg syndrome (RLS)—called Willis-Ekbom disease (WED) or Ekbom syndrome—involves the uncontrollable urge to shake or move your legs. Accompanying these twitches, tremors, and sudden jerks, are sensations in their legs of tingling, itching, and/or pins-and-needle pain.
The symptoms of RLS mostly occur in the evenings, especially when the sufferer is sitting or lying down. This can make it hard to relax, and sometimes next to impossible to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Learn more about the causes of restless leg syndrome from the team at Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center in NWA.
Similarities in Restless Leg Syndrome Causes
There is no known direct cause for RLS. There are, however, certain common factors that may contribute to RLS.
Secondary RLS
Restless leg syndrome comes in two types—Primary RLS which exhibits as a central nervous system disorder, and Secondary RLS which exhibits as a secondary issue caused by another disorder.
Chronic diseases may promote the development of Secondary RLS. If the chronic disease appeared after diagnosis of RLS, it might make the Primary RLS symptoms worse.
Related: the best restless legs syndrome treatment in Arkansas.
Some of those chronic diseases associated as possible restless leg syndrome causes include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Kidney failure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- Iron deficiency (anemia)
Hereditary Factors
Anywhere from 40 to 90 percent of RLS victims have an immediate (1st degree) family member who also suffers from the issue, according to government reports.
Prescriptions
Some of your medical prescriptions may also contribute to restless leg syndrome. Among those medications are:
- Heart medications
- Antinausea drugs
- Blood pressure drugs
- Antidepressants
- Cold medications
Current Health
Other possible health conditions could contribute to restless leg syndrome causes. They can include:
- Varicose veins
- Circulatory issues
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid problems
- Hand/feet nerve issues
- Neurologic lesions
- Spinal cord injury
- Sleep apnea/narcolepsy
- Alcoholism
Lack of Sleep
Restless leg syndrome makes it hard to sleep. Lack of sleep makes you tired, and being tired can increase stress. Stress combined with fatigue can make RLS symptoms worse, which means less sleep—and the cycle repeats…
The medical team at Ozark Regional Vein and Artery Center recommends that you find treatment for your sleep problems. A sleep specialist can recommend tools, treatments, and techniques that could help you get more or better sleep. Better sleep can lessen—or stop—the cycle.
Related topic: the full picture from a restless legs syndrome specialist in NWA.
Venous Insufficiency
At Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center, we’ve frequently seen RLS happen as a secondary issue of venous insufficiency. The faltering blood valves that cause venous insufficiency lead to blood pooling in the legs, making them bloat and causing muscles to cramp. This muscle cramping becomes RLS.
Our treatments, procedures, and medical expertise can help you control and possibly eradicate venous insufficiency. Try our virtual vein screening tool to schedule a consultation and discover possible help for “kicking” the kicking habit.
Vein Help for the Rest of Your Life
Now that you understand restless leg syndrome causes, you can also get to know the ways to help stop it. Come to Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center for help with restless legs syndrome in Arkansas, plus spider or varicose vein treatments.
At our premier practice in Northwest Arkansas (NWA), Dr. Haney, Dr. Stout, and our expert staff care for—and about—each patient. That’s why patients come to Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center from Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and all across the United States. We ensure every patient receives the best in concierge-level care.
Try our Virtual Vascular Screening Tool, or schedule a consultation. We also hold regular free screening events to help people just like you understand their issues, and find help and hope.
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