Restless Leg Syndrome and Varicose Veins

What is Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease (WED), is a common sleep-related movement disorder characterized by an unpleasant urge to move the legs. Symptoms often occur during periods of inactivity; particularly in the evenings. This urge to move is sometimes relieved by moving ones legs. During sleep, most patients’ limb movements, called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS), can wake the person from sleep. Common symptoms of restless leg include: need to move, a sensation of crawling, tingling, restless, leg cramping, leg pain, leg discomfort, and leg itching. (Similar terms have been used when patients describe symptoms associated with venous disease or varicose veins.)

 

Cause of Restless Leg Syndrome

The cause of restless legs syndrome remains poorly understood. Some studies have identified nervous system abnormalities in patients with the disorder. The most common conditions associated with RLS include: iron deficiency, renal failure, neuropathy, spinal cord issues, pregnancy, and multiple sclerosis. Antihistamines, antipsychotic medications, and many anti-nausea medications, and certain antidepressants can make symptoms of RLS worse.

 

Varicose Veins and Restless Leg Syndrome

The importance of discussing restless leg syndrome on a lower extremity vascular website is that there are conditions which mimic restless leg syndrome. Venous insufficiency, which mimics symptoms of restless leg syndrome, also exacerbates (worsens) symptoms of true RLS.

 

Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome

Currently a curative treatment does not exist for restless leg syndrome. There are certain medications on the market intended to minimize or mask symptoms. However, if you have symptoms of night leg cramps, numbness, burning, leg fatigue, leg heaviness, and/or ankle swelling, you may have venous disease. Venous insufficiency is managed with in office procedures. Symptoms improve quickly after intervention, and the majority of activities can be resumed within hours.

The best way to rule out Venous Disease for Restless Leg Syndrome is to come in for an Ultrasound Exam and Consultation. If you find your discomfort is being caused by venous insufficiency, you'll be extremely glad that you did come in...if not....there's one more thing that can be ruled out! 

 

Improve your Varicose Vein Treatment with Good Nutrition!

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Feb 26, 2017 | Comments Off on Improve your Varicose Vein Treatment with Good Nutrition!

You were concerned that your varicose veins might be a symptom of chronic venous insufficiency or other blood circulation problems beneath the surface, so you consulted your qualified vein specialist. Together, you decided on your best varicose vein treatment, and you are committed to doing all that has been prescribed for your aftercare. What you…

Read More

What Lurks Beneath: Beware of Varicose Veins Symptoms

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Feb 26, 2017 | Comments Off on What Lurks Beneath: Beware of Varicose Veins Symptoms

Here is the thing: you could have varicose veins and not even realize it. While we associate the term varicose veins with the really obvious blue and twisty bulges that make our legs look like road maps, this is not always the case. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins—designed to prevent the…

Read More

Buenas noticias si usted pregunta, "¿cubre el seguro el tratamiento de las venas varicosas?"

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Feb 17, 2017 | Comments Off on Buenas noticias si usted pregunta, "¿cubre el seguro el tratamiento de las venas varicosas?"

Usted podría estar pensando que sus varices son sólo un problema cosmético, pero podrían ser una señal de que su salud vascular está comprometido. Si ese es el caso, y si usted está sufriendo de insuficiencia venosa (CVI), es casi seguro que su proveedor de beneficios de salud cubrirá la mayoría si no todos los…

Read More

Good News if you ask, “Does Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?”

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Feb 17, 2017 | Comments Off on Good News if you ask, “Does Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?”

You might be thinking that your varicose veins are just a cosmetic issue, but they could be a sign that your vascular health is compromised. If that is the case, and if you are suffering from venous insufficiency (CVI), it is almost certain that your health benefits provider will cover most if not all of the…

Read More

Massage Varicose Veins? Be Careful!

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Jan 31, 2017 | Comments Off on Massage Varicose Veins? Be Careful!

Does massage help varicose veins? You might be thinking that massage is a great way to deal with the ache and pain of varicose veins. It seems like it would make sense. Massage therapy is great for improving muscle tone, blood circulation, general relaxation, and overall tissue health. All of these things are important for…

Read More

8 Common Myths About Spider Veins

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Jan 25, 2017 | Comments Off on 8 Common Myths About Spider Veins

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to spider veins.  So we asked Jilanne Rose, DPN, ANP-C, a top Metro Phoenix Vein Specialist, to dispel some of the more frequent misconceptions surrounding the cause, risk factors, and treatment of this common vein condition.   Myth #1: Spider Veins are Only Cosmetic Many people…

Read More

Jilanne Rose, ANP-C – Presenting at “Your Health Matters” Seminar

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Jan 25, 2017 | Comments Off on Jilanne Rose, ANP-C – Presenting at “Your Health Matters” Seminar

Jilanne Rose, ANP-C, and Clinical Director at the Advanced Vein Institute of Arizona has been asked to speak at the “Your Health Matters” Seminar on Thursday, January 26th at 10am. The seminar is being hosted by Generations Senior Living in Gilbert Arizona.

Read More

Why Do Varicose Veins Hurt Most at Night?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Jan 17, 2017 | Comments Off on Why Do Varicose Veins Hurt Most at Night?
leg pain at night

If you think that your varicose veins hurt more at night, you are probably not imagining this. The reason why, in a word, is contrast. This might make more sense once it is explained…   Especially since the advent of electrical lights, it can be easy to forget that nighttime is for rest. As daylight…

Read More

Want to Know Vein Treatment Success Rates? Just Ask.

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Jan 13, 2017 | Comments Off on Want to Know Vein Treatment Success Rates? Just Ask.

As a smart consumer and advocate for your own health, you have likely done your research about the variety of varicose vein treatments available, and you have probably noticed that vein procedure success rates are hard to find. Some try. There are statistics tucked into difficult-to-read research abstracts and surveys. Some reports contradict others. Others…

Read More

Why Get a Second Opinion on Varicose Vein Treatment?

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Jan 5, 2017 | Comments Off on Why Get a Second Opinion on Varicose Vein Treatment?

If you worry that getting a second opinion on your varicose vein treatment is rude or disrespectful—don’t! Any reputable health professional will tell you that consulting with more than one health specialist is a smart thing to do. Here are a few reasons why that is…     Ensuring a proper diagnosis will reduce anxiety…

Read More

About Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP

Jason is the Practice Administrator and CEO of Advanced Vein Institute of Arizona. Mr. Babcock brings over 30 years of healthcare administration experience to the organization with a strong background in finance, business development, operational improvement and customer service to AVIA.