Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a serious but treatable condition. RLS can be caused by a number of different factors, and the best treatment for each individual is determined by the cause. For some, finding the right treatment can be tricky, but for others, the solution may be right in the vitamin cabinet.
What is restless legs syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a nervous system disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs. Symptoms of RLS are usually most severe at night, when the person is resting, and can result in the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Symptoms of RLS include uncomfortable sensations in the legs, described by some as throbbing, pulling, or aching, and by others as creeping, crawling, or itching. Symptoms range in severity from mildly irritating to painful. These sensations are alleviated by movement, such as walking, pacing, or tossing and turning. RLS is disruptive to sleep and rest, and can result in fatigue, mood problems, and impaired daytime functioning.
What causes RLS?
The exact cause of RLS is not always clear, but there are some conditions and factors known to lead to symptoms of restless leg syndrome. These include:
- Genetics
- End stage kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Certain anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications
- Use of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine
- Pregnancy
- Nerve damage
- Iron deficiency
RLS is treatable, but finding the right treatment for an individual sometimes involves the process of elimination. One of the first steps in determining the cause and treatment for restless leg syndrome is to screen for iron deficiency.
The link between RLS and iron deficiency
Iron plays a significant role in brain functioning, particularly in the making of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Dopamine imbalances are linked to muscle problems such as tremors, stiffness, and the irrepressible urge to move. People whose RLS is caused by iron deficiency are able to minimize or completely alleviate their symptoms with iron supplements.
But iron deficiency is not always detected through a standard blood test. The brain can be deficient in iron even when blood tests indicate that iron levels are normal. MRI studies have shown a strong relationship between RLS and decreased iron concentrations in one of the primary dopamine-producing regions of the brain. The lower the iron levels, the worse the symptoms. Diagnosing low brain iron can be done with a blood test measuring ferritin, the primary form of stored iron in the body.
There are several types of iron therapy, including oral supplements and IV treatment, that can help reduce symptoms of RLS in people with iron deficiencies. But it’s important that any form of iron therapy be prescribed and monitored by a doctor, as too much iron can have negative health consequences.
Iron supplementation does not work to eliminate the symptoms of RLS in everyone. If you’re still struggling with RLS, you may be able to find relief through a research study.
Restless leg syndrome research study at Synergy Research Centers
If you suffer from RLS and have been unable to find relief from your symptoms, all hope is not lost. You may be able to participate in a research study designed to help advance treatment for restless leg syndrome. At Synergy Research Centers in San Diego, we’re currently enrolling participants ages 18 and over in an 8-week RLS clinical research study. Participants gain access to cutting-edge treatments not yet available to the general public and receive a stipend at each scheduled visit. For more information on our restless leg syndrome research study, call us at 888-539-0282 or fill out our contact form today.