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! 

 

Tratamiento doloroso para las varices-¡ una cosa del pasado!

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | May 21, 2018 | Comments Off on Tratamiento doloroso para las varices-¡ una cosa del pasado!

Entrevista con el Dr. Rose Durante nuestras entrevistas en video con Jilanne Rose le pedimos que nos contara algunas historias sobre sus experiencias en el tratamiento de las varices a lo largo de los años. Esta historia se trata de un paciente que se había despojado de las venas realizadas hace años y tenía miedo…

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Painful Treatment for Varicose Veins – a thing of the past!

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | May 21, 2018 | Comments Off on Painful Treatment for Varicose Veins – a thing of the past!

Dr. Rose Interview During our video interviews with Jilanne Rose we asked her to tell us some stories about her experiences in Varicose Veins Treatment over the years. This story is about a patient who had vein stripping performed years ago and was afraid of going through the process again because of the pain she…

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Q & A-¿se puede obtener conGESTIÓN pélvica cuando nunca ha estado embarazada?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | May 21, 2018 | Comments Off on Q & A-¿se puede obtener conGESTIÓN pélvica cuando nunca ha estado embarazada?

Pregunta: ¿puede usted conseguir congestión pélvica cuando usted nunca ha estado embarazado, y puede interferir con flujo de la orina?

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Q & A – CAN YOU GET PELVIC CONGESTION WHEN YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN PREGNANT?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | May 21, 2018 | Comments Off on Q & A – CAN YOU GET PELVIC CONGESTION WHEN YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN PREGNANT?

Question: Can you get pelvic congestion when you have never been pregnant, and can it interfere with urine flow? Answer: Pelvic congestion syndrome, although uncommon, can occur in women who have not been pregnant. These varicose veins in the lower abdomen typically do not cause problems with urination. Best to be evaluated by a gynecologist…

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Q & A-tengo dolor y venas araña apareciendo.

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | May 21, 2018 | Comments Off on Q & A-tengo dolor y venas araña apareciendo.

Pregunta: tengo dolor y venas de araña apareciendo sobre todo en la zona del muslo después de mi ablación que fue hace 2 meses. GSV cerrado y SSV bien. Estoy usando 20-30 mmHG medias de rodilla-alta todos los días. ¿Cuál es la causa?

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¿LA escleroterapia de la espuma de Q & A-CAN causa el movimiento u otros problemas después de 2 meses del tratamiento?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | May 21, 2018 | Comments Off on ¿LA escleroterapia de la espuma de Q & A-CAN causa el movimiento u otros problemas después de 2 meses del tratamiento?

Pregunta: tuve tratamiento de la escleroterapia de la espuma para la vena varicosa hace 2 meses por una técnica llamada catéter de flebogrif y leí que puede causar complicaciones como el movimiento. ¿Sigue siendo probable el riesgo? ¿Y qué sucede con la sustancia química usada en la espuma después de la inyección, permanece en el…

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Q & A – CAN FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY CAUSE STROKE OR OTHER PROBLEMS AFTER 2 MONTHS OF THE TREATMENT?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | May 21, 2018 | Comments Off on Q & A – CAN FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY CAUSE STROKE OR OTHER PROBLEMS AFTER 2 MONTHS OF THE TREATMENT?

Question: I had foam sclerotherapy treatment for varicose vein 2 months ago by a technique called flebogrif catheter and I read that it may cause complications like stroke. Is the risk still probable? And what happens to the chemical substance used on the foam after the injection, does it remain in the blood stream and…

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Q & A – I have pain and spider veins popping up.

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | May 21, 2018 | Comments Off on Q & A – I have pain and spider veins popping up.

Question: I have pain and spider veins popping up mostly in the thigh area after my ablation which was 2 months ago. GSV closed and SSV ok. I am wearing 20-30 mmHG knee-high stockings every day. What is the cause?

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Q & a: ¿Cuánto tiempo toma la cirugía de varices?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | May 15, 2018 | Comments Off on Q & a: ¿Cuánto tiempo toma la cirugía de varices?

Pregunta: ¿Cuánto tiempo toma la cirugía de la vena varicosa en sí misma y cuánto hora debo esperar para la recuperación?

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Preguntas y respuestas: ¿Qué puede decirme un examen de reflujo venoso?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | May 15, 2018 | Comments Off on Preguntas y respuestas: ¿Qué puede decirme un examen de reflujo venoso?

Pregunta: ¿Qué puede decirme un examen de reflujo venoso? ¿Cómo mide el tratamiento la efectividad de mis venas?

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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.