Doctors Answers (3)
RLS is sometimes related to iron deficiency, genetic reasons, caffiene use, neuropathy etc. It is best to be evaluated by a sleep physician to help find the cause and treat accordingly. There are several different types of medications used to treat RLS. Some people get relief from Magnesium pills available over the counter.
Restless legs is common condition affecting men and women equally and consistiing of an irresistable urge to move the legs usually later in the day or evening worse when you are recumbant or lying down and better when you rub your legs or walk around. It is due to a defect in dopmine synthesis in the brain and cna be treated with several medicines including Dopamine agonists, Sinemt, Neurontin, or in extreme cases low dose narcotics.
If you have what you feel to be restless legs syndrome (RLS) then you likely do have the disorder. There are certain criteria which should be met to make a definitive diagnosis but if treatment with certain medications (dopamine agonists) relieve the symptoms this can be diagnostic of RLS. There are a few medical disorders which should be excluded as a cause for RLS. These would include an iron deficiency and neuropathies. A sleep physician would be in a position to help you.
