Leg shaking may be voluntary, or it may be a tremor.
A tremor is an involuntary muscle contraction, meaning you are not in control of the leg movement.
Legtremorsand other types of shaking may happen for many reasons and are not always a cause for concern.
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However, there are some conditions that cause leg shaking that may warrant a visit with your healthcare provider.
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Restless Leg Syndrome
RLS may look the same as a tremor.
However, it is different since it is a voluntary movement of the legs.
Itching and crawling sensations in the legs can also be present in people with RLS.
These symptoms improve with movement and are typically worse at night.
RLS is commonly seen in people who are pregnant, have diabetes, or are deficient in certain nutrients.
That being said, anyone can develop the syndrome.
In people with anxiety, the hormoneadrenalineis released at times when it is not needed.
It affects the muscles by pumping more blood into them.
Psychogenic Tremor
Anxiety tremors fall under the category of psychogenic tremors.
Psychogenic tremor occurs suddenly and also goes away on its own.
It often develops after a stressful life event.
The tremor has changes in location and frequency.
Also, the tremor can be stopped by distracting the person.
MS
Multiple sclerosisis anautoimmune disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
In people with MS, the myelin sheaththe protective coating of nerve cellsbecomes damaged by immune system cells.
Parkinson’s
Parkinsons diseaseis a condition that affects the nervous system.
People who develop Parkinsons disease experience uncontrollable movements that progressively worsen over time.
Tremors are typically the first warning sign that a person has the disease.
These shaking movements can develop because the use of alcohol can change how the nervous system functions.
The shakes can last for up to two days.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidismmeans that you have an overactive thyroid.
The thyroid is a gland at the base of the neck.
These hormones play a role in key bodily functions, such as breathing and digestion.
You may also experience leg tremors.
ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in childhood.
In ADHD, leg shaking is a behavioral habit, not an involuntary movement.
Neurodevelopmental disorders are considered disabilities and affect how the brain and neurological system functions.
Boredom
You might shake your leg when you’re bored as a way to release tension.
You may have an underlying health condition that requires treatment.
Using certain substances such as alcohol or stimulant drugs can also cause leg shaking.
2018;97(3):180-186.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
