Secondary Causes or Risk Factors
Primary restless leg syndrome is not usually linked with other health conditions. Sometimes certain conditions may be associated with restless leg syndrome. These conditions are considered risk factors or secondary causes. It is not clear if they actually cause the disorder or just increase your likelihood of developing it.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is a well-known risk factor for restless leg syndrome. Having low levels of iron in the blood can trigger or aggravate symptoms of restless leg syndrome. This may happen whether or not you have anemia. If your serum ferritin level falls below 70 [4], you may experience symptoms of the disorder. This can usually be helped by taking iron supplements to raise the iron levels. If you are reluctant to use supplements, you can make dietary changes that incorporate more iron-rich foods into your diet.