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!
Although there is no cure for varicose veins and venous insufficiency, there are certain varicose vein home treatments you can to help relieve some of the symptoms of aching legs, swelling of legs, itchy legs, leg cramps and restless and heavy legs. Varicose Veins Homeopathic Treatment For those who prefer a homeopathic approach for managing…
Read MoreAre you worried about your varicose veins? A lot of people who have venous insufficiency or vein disease do not realize they have it or how straightforward it is to treat. Symptoms of venous insufficiency or vein disease are progressive and can start as early as your teens and twenties, but will only get worse…
Read More
Can You Cure Varicose Veins? There are several conservative therapy and management of vein insufficiency options to help with the symptoms associated with varicose veins. None of these methods will prevent or fix the underlying problem. There is no cure for varicose veins or venous insufficiency, once a vein is abnormal (fails to return blood…
Read MoreWhat jobs contribute to getting or worsening varicose veins? When you are in the business of taking care of other people, sometimes you get so busy taking care of them that you forget to take care of yourself. People with active lives and active legs, like fire fighters, paramedics, nurses, police officers, teachers, flight attendants,…
Read MoreCauses of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy There are a number of reasons why women get varicose veins during pregnancy. First, the volume of blood circulating in the body increases to help support your growing baby. However, veins don’t have a way to accommodate the extra volume so sometimes the veins bulge, itch, are painful to…
Read MoreWhat is a Vein Specialist? When the venous system becomes incapable of doing its job effectively, that is when a vein specialist is at their best. A vein specialist is a medical provider whose main focus is the treatment and management of venous disease. Vascular medicine is composed of two different systems, arterial and venous.…
Read MoreCan I Use Essential Oils For Varicose Veins? Essential oils can help to temporarily alleviate symptoms associated with the underlying problem of varicose veins, but they do not prevent, treat, or cure venous disease itself.
Read More
There are several treatments available for painful varicose veins According to recent studies, 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States suffer from some type of vein problem. Varicose veins affect half of people 50 years and older, typically found on the thighs, inside the leg,…
Read More
High Temperatures Will Irritate Varicose Veins As hot as it gets in Arizona, we can’t blame the sun for our varicose veins or spider veins as it is not the cause. However, our hot Arizona summers do cause diseased leg veins to get worse, as do hot tubs, heating packs, and prolonged hot baths. Warmer…
Read MoreDoes smoking cause varicose veins or spider veins? The noxious chemicals in cigarettes can do serious damage to your veins and arteries, whether you use tobacco products on a day-to-day basis or on occasion. The signs of damage from smoking often shows up in our vein center patients through the development of spider veins…
Read More