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Suggest Treatment For Restless Leg Syndrome
Question: I would like to know what causes the trembling that I have in my legs. It feels as though I have a motor running. I was told yesterday that I could have (busy legs) is this an ailment that you are aware of? My primary has given no explanation. It really bothers me.
Brief Answer:
Restless legs syndrome should be the suggested diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I believe what you call "busy legs" is the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome. It is a disorder characterized mainly by urge to move the legs, more pronounced in the evening, alleviated by movement. Often it is accompanied by abnormal sensations such pins and needles, vibration, crawling under the skin etc as well as muscle cramps. The mechanisms are not well known, at times it is related to iron deficiency, but in most cases no cause is found. There are several therapies, but hard to judge whether they've been used in your case since you do not remember the name. In some patients one medication may be more effective than the other, so the fact that one failed doesn't mean others will.
Another possible cause is peripheral neuropathy, damage to the peripheral nerves. It is diagnosed by neurological physical exam and if there are signs present nerve conduction studies. If that is confirmed to be the origin, then its cause should be sought, it may have many different causes such as diabetes, liver and kidney issues, electrolyte alterations, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin B12 deficiency etc. But before going into more detail about the causes and tests the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy should be made.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Restless legs syndrome should be the suggested diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I believe what you call "busy legs" is the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome. It is a disorder characterized mainly by urge to move the legs, more pronounced in the evening, alleviated by movement. Often it is accompanied by abnormal sensations such pins and needles, vibration, crawling under the skin etc as well as muscle cramps. The mechanisms are not well known, at times it is related to iron deficiency, but in most cases no cause is found. There are several therapies, but hard to judge whether they've been used in your case since you do not remember the name. In some patients one medication may be more effective than the other, so the fact that one failed doesn't mean others will.
Another possible cause is peripheral neuropathy, damage to the peripheral nerves. It is diagnosed by neurological physical exam and if there are signs present nerve conduction studies. If that is confirmed to be the origin, then its cause should be sought, it may have many different causes such as diabetes, liver and kidney issues, electrolyte alterations, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin B12 deficiency etc. But before going into more detail about the causes and tests the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy should be made.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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