Uncontrollable shaking in your legs is not always a cause of worry. While in certain cases it could be a symptom of concern, it could also be sometimes a temporary response to something that’s stressing you or it could be due to no obvious reason. It is not entirely possible to explain the cause of shaky legs based on just the symptoms. But here is a list of possibilities that could be causing it:
Tremor is an involuntary contraction of the muscles which occurs at a rhythmic pattern and makes a person shake or move their legs at predictable intervals. Individuals with leg tremor might experience leg shaking alongside uncontrollable muscle spasms or pulses. The tremor might last a few minutes or could also be persistent. Neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis or brain injuries could cause tremors.
Restless Leg Syndrome aka RLS is also similar to tremor with an uncontrollable urge to shake or move the legs. What tells these two apart is that, in RLS, individuals shake their legs voluntarily due to feelings of discomfort. They could also feel burning or tingling sensations in their legs. RLS is more common among pregnant women and diabetics, however, anyone can develop it.
Anxiety can make a person experience shaky legs since it puts them in a flight-or-fight situation. The shaking tends to disappear once the anxiety subsides. But some people with chronic anxiety tend to develop tremors that can lead to chronic bouts of shaking. Relaxation techniques and medications can help relieve anxiety and tremors.
Tardive dyskinesia is a syndrome experienced by people who consume certain medications to treat mental health conditions or gastrointestinal issues like antipsychotic drugs and gastrointestinal drugs like prochlorperazine. It causes involuntary movements throughout the body including face, legs, and torso. Discontinuing the above-mentioned drugs can help treat the condition.
Parkinson’s disease occurs when the dopamine-producing nerve cells are damaged. Since dopamine is required for smooth movements and coordination, the condition can cause shaking in the legs, hands, or head as a common symptom.
Certain medications, stimulant drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants might also cause shaky legs. Alcohol alters the dopamine levels in your brain and withdrawal symptoms can cause tremors. Caffeine and other stimulants like amphetamines cause tremors as common adverse effects. Drugs like corticosteroids, weight-loss pills, antiseizure medications, reflux drugs, asthma bronchodilator medicines, and thyroid medications might also cause shaky legs as a side effect.
