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! 

 

Q&A: What can you suggest to lessen varicose veins visibility?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Apr 30, 2018 | Comments Off on Q&A: What can you suggest to lessen varicose veins visibility?

Question: I am 50 years old; a bachelor, and a teacher. Right now I have varicose veins (though they are not painful) in my right leg. I am not happy to see them. What can you suggest to lessen its visibility? Answer: Unfortunately, most conservative therapies are designed for symptomatic control and not necessarily appearance. Treatments…

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By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Apr 12, 2018 | Comments Off on Q & a: tengo que volar en 2 días, ¿debo usar calcetines de vuelo?

Pregunta: me lastimé el pie ayer a medio camino hacia los dedos de los pies. Tengo que volar en dos días. ¿Debo usar calcetines de vuelo? Mi pie está ligeramente hinchado. He estado descansando con el pie hacia arriba. Puedo caminar sobre ella. Duele un poco. El vuelo dura 7 horas.

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Q & a: mi pierna está hinchada con medias de compresión, es esto normal?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Apr 12, 2018 | Comments Off on Q & a: mi pierna está hinchada con medias de compresión, es esto normal?

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Q&A: I have to fly in 2 days, should I wear flight socks?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Apr 12, 2018 | Comments Off on Q&A: I have to fly in 2 days, should I wear flight socks?

Question: I hurt my foot yesterday halfway towards the toes. I have to fly in 2 days. Should I wear flight socks? My foot is slightly swollen. I've been resting with the foot up. I can walk on it. It hurts a little bit. The flight is 7 hours long.

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Q&A: My leg is swollen with compression stockings, is this normal?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Apr 12, 2018 | Comments Off on Q&A: My leg is swollen with compression stockings, is this normal?

Question: I have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my right calf, it has only been 3 weeks since I found out. My leg still swells after 3 weeks even when I wear my compression stocking 20 -30. Is this normal. Should I be take it off and elevate my leg or leave it on?

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Q & a: ejercicio de varices

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Apr 11, 2018 | Comments Off on Q & a: ejercicio de varices

Pregunta: Quiero saber que ejercicios funcionan mejor ya que mi tratamiento EVLT no me dio los buenos resultados que me esperaba.

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Q&A: Exercise for Varicose Veins

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Apr 11, 2018 | Comments Off on Q&A: Exercise for Varicose Veins

Question: I want to know which exercises work best since my EVLT treatment did not get me the good results that I expected. Answer: Ones ability to exercise, and the types of exercise a person can complete, varies greatly. Speaking in generalities, exercise that benefits lower extremity venous health does not have to be significantly…

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Cirugía de vena de pierna vs. Procedimientos de la vena de la pierna del en-oficina

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Apr 10, 2018 | Comments Off on Cirugía de vena de pierna vs. Procedimientos de la vena de la pierna del en-oficina

La cirugía de la vena varicosa no es lo que solía ser Si usted ha escuchado — o experimentado — historias sobre la cirugía de eliminación de venas estándar que ocurrieron antes de la vuelta de este siglo, es comprensible si usted está preocupado acerca de la búsqueda de ayuda de un especialista en venas…

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Leg Vein Surgery vs. In-Office Leg Vein Procedures

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Apr 10, 2018 | Comments Off on Leg Vein Surgery vs. In-Office Leg Vein Procedures

Varicose vein surgery not what it used to be If you have heard-or experienced–stories about standard vein removal surgery that happened prior to the turn of this century, it is understandable if you are concerned about seeking help from a qualified vein specialist for your painful varicose veins. There was a time when leg vein…

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Varices y calambres en las piernas: la causa puede sorprenderle

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Apr 10, 2018 | Comments Off on Varices y calambres en las piernas: la causa puede sorprenderle

Calambres en las piernas Hay muchas razones para los calambres musculares. Mucha gente los experimenta debido a una deficiencia de ciertos elementos clave como el potasio y el magnesio. Otros, particularmente aquellos que viven en climas más cálidos como Arizona, experimentan calambres debido a la deshidratación. UN gran número de pacientes a los que consulto,…

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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.