The frustrating condition known as the restless leg syndrome, which affects millions of people globally is caused by two faulty genes, discovered researchers. Approximately one in ten adults experiences restless leg syndrome at some point in their life that causes horrid sensations in their legs.
Restless leg syndrome is one of the most common nerve diseases. The tingling, prickling and numbness in the legs happen mainly in the evening or at night when the body is resting. The sensation can be relieved by moving, walking or jiggling. People with the condition experience sleeping disorders and tiredness. In extreme cases it can escort to depression.
The odds of developing restless leg syndrome go up with age. Around one in ten people over the age of sixty-five are affected generally. Women are more prone to be affected then men with many developing restless legs in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
An international team of researchers found that two genetic mutations are associated with the condition and people who inherited genetic mutations are more prone to develop restless leg syndrome. The latest study examined the genetic structure of five thousand people with condition. The genetic makeup of study participants were compared with seven thousand healthy people.
The team found two novel areas on the genome that play key role in the disease. One area within a gene that is engaged in controlling the brain activity is known as TOX3. It occupied in protecting brain cells, but its connection with restless syndrome is still not known.
According to guidelines by NHS Choices, the symptoms of the condition can be eased by avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Gentle exercise before bedtime can also stretch the muscles and reduce symptoms. But in children the condition is wrongly diagnosed as growing pains. The study was published in the journal PLoS Genetics.