1 Answer

The cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown in most people. However, restless leg syndrome has been associated with

pregnancy,
obesity,
smoking,
iron deficiency and anemia,
nerve disease,
polyneuropathy (which can be associated with hypothyroidism, heavy metal toxicity, toxins, and many other conditions),
other hormone diseases such as diabetes, and
kidney failure (which can be associated with vitamin and mineral deficiency).

Some drugs and medications have been associated with restless leg syndrome including:

caffeine,
alcohol,
H2-histamine blockers (such as ranitidine [Zantac] and cimetidine [Tagamet]), and certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline [Elavil, Endep]).
Occasionally, restless leg syndrome run in families. Recent studies have shown that restless leg syndrome appears to become more common as a person ages. Also, poor venous circulation of the legs (such as with varicose veins) can cause restless leg syndrome.

Reviewed by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD on 6/15/2012