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6 Possible Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome

6 Possible Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome

Sleep is a critical part of feeling good. Anyone living with restless leg syndrome (RLS) — which commonly strikes at night and makes sleep a challenge — knows that all too well. 

Ultimately, if you have RLS, you probably want to figure out how to soothe your symptoms and get the rest you need. And that starts with figuring out what’s causing your restless legs in the first place. 

At Vascular & Interventional Associates, our expert providers offer specialized care for restless leg syndrome. That means that at our practice in Crestview Hills, Kentucky — serving people throughout northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati, Ohio, area — we not only can help you find out what’s causing your RLS but we also can help you find relief. 

Here, we take a look at six of the most common factors at play when someone has restless leg syndrome.

1. Iron deficiency

While researchers are still working to understand the exact cause of RLS, doctors can trace a lot of cases back to issues with low iron. In fact, taking an iron supplement can be enough to ease some people’s restless legs. Our team can help you determine if an iron deficiency could be to blame in your case. 

2. Low vitamin D

The more that researchers learn about RLS, the more it seems to be connected to your dopamine levels. Because low vitamin D can affect dopamine, not getting enough of this nutrient can make your RLS worse. 

3. Diabetes

When you have diabetes, the heightened levels of sugar in your blood can damage your nerves, causing diabetic neuropathy. This nerve damage can cause RLS in some people. 

4. Kidney failure

Both chronic kidney disease and uremia, which indicates decreasing kidney function, can heighten your likelihood of dealing with restless leg syndrome. 

5. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia often comes with sleep problems, and RLS commonly makes the list. While researchers haven’t yet figured out why these conditions are connected, if you live with fibromyalgia, you may also get restless legs at night. 

6. Chronic venous insufficiency

When you’re diagnosed with this condition, it means the blood vessels in your legs don’t work the way they should. This can contribute to your RLS symptoms. Fortunately, our team offers diagnostic vascular ultrasound so we can take a look at what’s going on with the veins in your legs. 

All told, a lot of factors could be playing a role in your restless legs. To figure out what’s behind your symptoms so you can address underlying conditions and get the relief you need, call our office or request an appointment online today.

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