Australia
A 48-year-old female asked:
what causes restless legs an what can you do or take for it?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Edward Smith answered
Neurosurgery 54 years experience
Cause unknown: No cure but symptomatic treatment is available. A variety of drug classes may work including Dopamine agonists (like ropinerole), anticonvulsants (like gabapentin), benzodiazepines (like clonazepam), and in worst cases opioids. Opioids are drug class of last resort. See a neurologist to confirm diagnosis.
5624 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mark Schwartz answered
Vascular Surgery 9 years experience
Underlying Causes: Rule out underlying causes that may be able to be treated such as mineral deficiencies (iron, folate, (folic acid) magnesium), venous insufficiency, or various immune deficiencies. Start with blood work and a venous ultrasound by a vascular surgeon. Review medications for side effects .
If no underlying cause is identified, get daily exercise and cut back on smoking a and or drinking, if applicable.
5268 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
Do I have restless legs syndrome?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michelle Zetoony answered
Sleep Medicine 18 years experience
Ask yourself if ...: Ask yourself if you have the 4 cardinal features: 1 ) urge to move legs/body, 1)rest makes symptom worse, 3) getting up moving makes symptoms better and 4 ) it only happens in eveningor night (not in morning or day). These features suggest rls.
6060 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
How can I treat restless legs syndrome?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gregg Albers answered
Addiction Medicine 41 years experience
RLS: Discuss your symptoms with your physician who can order testing to diagnose restless leg syndrome. Once diagnosed, medication can help to reduce the symptoms. You may find some other helpful information about RLS on line.
6024 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
What are treatments for restless legs syndrome?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Maureen Nash answered
Geriatric Psychiatry 24 years experience
Dopaminergic meds: Most medications for restless legs affect dopamine, which is a powerful brain chemical. This illness is best diagnosed and treated by a neurologist experienced with this illness.
5376 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
What is restless legs syndrome? What are the symptoms?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. William Singer answered
Pediatric Neurology 51 years experience
Chemical imbalance: People with restless legs experience an feeling of needing to move their and involuntary jerky leg movements,usually in the late afternoon or evening. It may interfere with getting to sleep or cause awakening from sleep. It is caused be a chemical imbalance in the central nervous system .
Fortunately there are medications that can provide relief.
3051 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
What is restless legs syndrome? What causes it?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Osman Farooq answered
Pediatric Neurology 20 years experience
RLS: RLS is a condition in which your legs will have sudden brief movements or pain/discomfort. It can occur due to multiple conditions. Sometimes by treating the cause of the RLS can make it go away. You should get checked by your doctor.
3487 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jun 25, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.