Restless Legs Syndrome and Related Disorders - Diagnosis

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If the patient's diet suggests low iron intake and other causes cannot be established, then a monthly trial of iron supplements may be given. If the patient fails to respond, further evaluation is needed.

Other Laboratory Tests

Certainly laboratory tests may be helpful in determining causes of RLS or conditions that rule it out. They include:

• Blood glucose tests for diabetes
• Tests for kidney problems
• Possibly tests for thyroid hormone and magnesium and folate levels

Ruling Out Other Leg Disorders

In addition to other sleep-related leg disorders, a number of other medical conditions may have features that resemble restless leg syndrome. The doctor will need to consider these disorders in making a diagnosis.

Peripheral Neuropathies. Peripheral neuropathies are nerve disorders in the legs or feet. They can be caused by several conditions and can produce pain, burning, tingling, or shooting sensations in the extremities. Diabetes is a very common cause of painful peripheral neuropathies. Other causes include alcoholism, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, amyloidosis, HIV infection, kidney failure, and certain vitamin deficiencies. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathies may mimic RLS. However, unlike RLS they are not usually associated with restlessness, nor are they relieved by movement, and they do not worsen at bedtime.

Deep Vein Thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis is caused by a blood clot deep in the leg, usually in the thigh or calf. It may cause pain, swelling and aching in the leg where the clot has developed. It can occur in people with heart disease, with varicose veins, during pregnancy, in women from hormonal treatments, from injury to the leg, or from inactivity (such as after surgery or during long flights). Left untreated, this can be a very serious and even life-threatening condition.