There are many conditions that may independently lead to symptoms of RLS, including iron deficiency and pregnancy.
Iron Deficiency
One condition that is strongly linked to symptoms of RLS is iron deficiency.
The relationship between iron deficiency and RLS symptoms has been extensively studied.
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If the levels are low, a trial run of oral supplementation oriron replacementshould be undertaken.
Even some individuals with normal levels respond positively to iron replacement.
The incidence of RLS has been reported to range from 6%62%.
It is unclear what may be contributing to RLS in this group.
Diabetes
RLS may develop in people withtype 2 diabetes.
If diabetes is left uncontrolled, nerve damage can result due to high levels of glucose within the blood.
This can lead to damage of small blood vessels that supply the nerves called vaso nervorum.
When these become clogged, the nerve itself will become damaged.
Often this leads to peripheral neuropathy, which consists of pain and a pins-and-needles sensation in the feet.
This may progress up the legs and even involve the hands.
Associated with these sensory changes, some people will also have symptoms of RLS.
Therefore, it is thought that diabetes may be an independent risk factor for developing RLS.
In people who have undergone kidney transplants, their symptoms of RLS have improved.
When both conditions are present, RLS usually occurs after Parkinsons disease has become apparent.
Pregnancy
Not all conditions that may lead to RLS are disorders.
In fact, being pregnant seems to increase not only the incidence but also the degree of RLS symptoms.
Studies have shown the incidence if RLS among pregnant women to be anywhere from 10%30%.
The good news is that the symptoms rapidly improved after giving birth.
It is not clear what causes the increased frequency of RLS during pregnancy.
It may be due to iron or folate deficiency or even because of hormonal changes associated with being pregnant.
The exact relationship is unclear.
Varicose Veins
In some instances, poor blood flow in the legs has been associated with RLS.
In particular, weak veins that distend and become uncomfortable have been blamed.
These varicose veins are often engorged and blue in color and may be a sign of venous insufficiency.
Treatment of varicose veins has proven to be effective in alleviating some of the symptoms of RLS.
This includes procedures like scleropathyand medication, such as hyrdoxyethylrutoside, which has been shown to be modestly effective.
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