If you are lying in bed, and all of a sudden feel an unpleasant or uncomfortable sensation in your legs and then the urge to move them, you likely have restless legs syndrome. This problem generally happens at night while you are lying in your bed and goes away when you get out of bed in the morning. You can get relief temporarily by moving your legs or getting up and walking. Restless legs syndrome has to do with your nervous system, meaning that it is a neurological condition. The three problems below can cause this uncomfortable problem.

Diabetes

Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, also known as neuropathy, and is generally due to high blood sugar levels. When you have high blood sugar levels, the excess sugar gets into the nerves. When this happens, your nerves cannot carry electrical impulses to your legs and feet. All of this can result in restless legs syndrome. See your doctor to have your blood sugar levels checked if you are having this problem. Because the nerves in your feet can become damaged, it is important that you take proper care of them.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and have RLS, you are not alone. A study of over 600 pregnant women found that more than 16 percent of them had symptoms of RLS. Doctors are not sure exactly why this happens, but some doctors believe it can be due to an imbalance of the chemical dopamine. This is because dopamine keeps your muscle movements even and smooth. If RLS is interfering with your sleep, see your doctor to get treatment. Because you are pregnant, your doctor may not want to prescribe medication. One thing you can do is to place a vibrating pad under your legs while you are lying in bed. Talk with your doctor about prescribing this for you. Your doctor may check your iron levels, as low iron can cause RLS.

Obesity

RLS has been linked to people that are obese. This is because people that are overweight can have low dopamine levels. Adding extra protein to your diet can help create dopamine. For this reason, add high protein foods to your diet, such as fish, turkey, chicken, and beef. Because you need to lose weight, these foods can help you do this.

See your doctor who can get you in touch with a nutritionist to help you come up with a good meal plan to help you lose weight. Join a gym to work out, go walking, swimming, or anything that gets you moving. As the weight comes off you, you should notice your RLS symptoms lessen or go away completely.

For more information, contact Michael Scanlon DPM or a similar medical professional.