Is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Chronic or Treatable?

Symptoms and Possible Causes of RLS

Patients who have Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) are more commonly female and have the urge to move their legs due to discomfort or pain. While these symptoms may occur throughout the day, the symptoms are often worse at night. Leg movement typically helps with the symptoms.

Some potential causes of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) include:

According to A.D.A.M, "The following medical conditions are also associated with RLS, although the relationships are not clear. In some cases, these conditions may contribute to RLS or they may have a common cause. In some cases, they may simply often coexist because of other risk factors":

Treatments For RLS

While no one knows the cause of RLS, patients do improve with dopaminergic drugs. Examples of dopamine drugs that are marketed to treat RLS are the same medications used to treat Parkinson's disease. These include:

Requip is the first drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treatment of moderate to severe RLS. While most patients improve with dopaminergic agents, some may become worse with long term treatment. Other medications used in the treatment include:

Related Resources - Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

_{Answers provided by Scott J. Zashin, M.D., clinical assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Division of Rheumatology, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Zashin is also an attending physician at Presbyterian Hospitals of Dallas and Plano. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Zashin is author of Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle of Anti-TNF Blockers. The book is useful for anyone on one of the biologic drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) or considering the biologic drugs. Read our review of the book.}

_{Sources: Medical Letter, August 1, 2005; Restless Legs Syndrome and Other Sleep-Related Leg Disorders, A.D.A.M}