Restless Legs Syndrome and Related Disorders - Risk Factors

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Highlights	Complications	Resources
Introduction	Diagnosis	References
Causes	Treatment
Risk Factors	Medications

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the joint cartilage and bone, once thought to result from "wear and tear" on a joint, although there are other causes such as trauma, and metabolic disorders. Joints appear swollen, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used throughout the day.

Click the icon to see an image of hypothyroidism.

Click the icon to see an image of fibromyalgia.

Click the icon to see an image of rheumatoid arthritis.

Click the icon to see an image of emphysema.

Environmental and Dietary Factors

Several environmental and dietary factors can worsen or provoke restless legs syndrome:

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Iron deficiencies. People who are deficient in iron are at risk for restless legs syndrome, even if they do not have anemia
Folic acid or magnesium deficiencies
Smoking
Alcohol abuse
Caffeine (coffee drinking is specifically associated with PLMD)
Stress
Fatigue
Prolonged exposure to cold

Medications

Drugs that worsen or provoke RLS include:

Antidepressants
Antipsychotic drugs
Anti-nausea drugs
Calcium channel blockers (mostly used to treat high blood pressure)
Metoclopramide (used to treat various digestive diseases)
Antihistamines
Oral decongestants
Diuretics
Asthma drugs
Spinal anesthesia (anesthesia-induced restless legs syndrome typically disappears on its own within several months)

Risk Factors for Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

About 6% of the general population has PLMD. Among the elderly, the prevalence increases to 25 - 58%. Studies suggest that PLMD may be especially common in elderly women. As with RLS, numerous conditions are associated with PLMD. They include sleep apnea, spinal cord injuries, stroke, narcolepsy, and diseases that destroy nerves or the brain over time. Certain medications, including some antidepressants and anti-seizure medications, may also contribute to PLMD.

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Review Date: 10/15/2010
Reviewed By: Reviewed by: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).