Is there link between PA and restless legs syndrome?

[bcyoung]

I've got restless legs syndrome as well as PA and wondered if there is a link? Perhaps something to do with iron deficiency?

[Hidden]

Hi,

Yes iron def def can be the problem, see:

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Restless Leg Syndrome:

anemia.org/patients/faq/ind...

(unfortunately this link does not work any more, but the info is worth reading)

Restless Leg Syndrome

What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which your legs feel extremely uncomfortable while you're sitting or lying down. It makes you feel like getting up and moving around. When you do so, the unpleasant feelings temporarily goes away. People suffering from RLS describe the sensations as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. The sensations can be uncomfortable, irritating, or possibly even painful. These symptoms become worse during the early evening or later at night and can disrupt sleep, leading to insomnia and daytime drowsiness.14 It has been estimated that approximately 10% of adults in North America and Europe experience RLS symptoms.15 RLS is not a dangerous or life threatening condition, but it can be painful and disrupt everyday life.

What causes RLS and is it related to anemia?

There is no known definitive cause for restless leg syndrome but one area of interest is its connection with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are the most common medical conditions associated with RLS and are present in more than 20% of all cases.16 Two other major factors related to RLS include renal disease and pregnancy, which are frequently accompanied by iron deficiency anemia.17 More recent studies have shown that decreased levels of stored iron in the body can make RLS symptoms worse.18,19 Additionally, researchers have found that not enough iron was getting to the brain cells of people who suffer from the symptoms of restless legs.20

Can treatment relieve my RLS symptoms?

Increasing the body’s stored iron can provide relief of symptoms in some RLS patients, especially those with iron deficiency.20 While oral iron supplements have shown benefit in these patients, IV iron may be needed in order to replenish low iron levels in the brain. A recent study showed that treatment with IV iron led to almost complete relief of the RLS symptoms in a small group of patients.17 Close communication with your doctor will help him or her provide the treatment that is best for you.

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Other people found just B12 treatment helped , more in the topic mentioned above.

Kind regards,

Marre.

[lightening]

Since I was diagnosed withPA,I no longer get irritable legs, it used to be such a regular thing it became a joke with the family, ohbdea, there she goes again,jogging my legs, but I do hope you find something to help you. All the best

Lightening

[pvanderaa]

Yes - probably due to nerve damage. After starting B12 injections with Folic acid and B6 supplements, maybe also some TMG, the symptoms take a while to disappear.

Try to establish a measure like the number of times a day you notice it. Keep a logbook and when you look back over several months you may see gradual progress. this, gives you back some control, helps remove anxiety and stress and also leads to more effective use of B12 and healing.

You may also notice you are doing more as you heal and other "new" symptoms appear.

Also get general exercise like walking to activate the healing in the nerves. The nerves do not heal readily when you are sedentary.