What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis has been associated with restless legs syndrome. Studies indicate RLS might occur in around ten to fifteen percent of the population in the United States. Almost one-third of restless leg syndrome patients also have rheumatoid arthritis. One theory for why these conditions occur alongside each other so often is because of iron deficiency. The brain produces a chemical called dopamine, which is essential to the health of an individual's immune system and central nervous system. Dopamine needs iron to function properly. Many of those with RLS symptoms also have low iron levels, which means dopamine isn't functioning as effectively in the brain. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the amount of iron in the brain or the ability to use iron in the brain.

Get the details on the next cause of restless legs syndrome now.