Last updated on Nov 4, 2022
Restless leg syndrome and its relation to varicose veins
Varicose veins and restless legs
Do you have difficulty sleeping at night because your legs hurt or twinge? You might have Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), a disorder associated with varicose veins.
Do you think your varicose veins are to blame for your RLS? Many studies have found an association between the two disorders.
RLS symptoms are quite similar to those of varicose veins, suggesting a connection between the two disorders. A review of the research suggests that treating your varicose veins may help your restless leg syndrome.
If you are having trouble sleeping due to sore legs, contact our vein specialists at Vein Doctors Sydney to see whether your symptoms are attributable to venous disease and receive the most effective treatment from our professional and qualified doctors.
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What exactly is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?
Restless leg syndrome (Willis-Ekbom syndrome) is when you can’t stop moving one or both legs. Getting up and moving about might help your leg feel better, but sitting or lying down can worsen the pain.
It’s possible for anybody to get RLS, although senior citizens are at higher risk. It increases the likelihood of developing insomnia and depression and can severely interrupt sleep. The good news is that if you and your vein specialist can identify what is triggering your restless legs syndrome, you can treat it successfully.
Let’s investigate the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is characterised by a strong need to move your weight from one leg to the other all the time. Additional symptoms of restless legs syndrome are:
- Leg pain, tingling, numbness, aching, throbbing, crawling, tugging, or creeping.
- Nighttime aggravation of pain or discomfort
- Moving around, especially with the legs, can help you feel better. You can do this by walking, pacing, stretching, or jiggling.
- A disorder characterised by involuntary leg movements during sleep, such as twitching or kicking
Why does Restless Leg Syndrome occur?
No one knows exactly what causes restless leg syndrome. Some possible causes and risk factors for restless leg syndrome are:
- Varicose veins
- Deficiency in iron
- Renal insufficiency
- Parkinson’s disease
- Disturbances of the spinal cord
- Medication, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants,
- Combination of Caffeine, Nicotine, and Alcohol Consumption
- Neuropathy of the periphery
Restless legs syndrome cannot be diagnosed with a single test. The severity of your symptoms, past medical history, physical examination, test results, and family history will all be used to make a diagnosis.
How can I get relief from my aching legs?
Restless leg syndrome can be treated well if the root cause can be found and taken care of. Taking care of your varicose veins can contribute to the treatment of your restless leg syndrome, as the two conditions are linked.
There are several treatment options available to help reduce or remove your symptoms entirely:
- Sclerotherapy, administered by a vein specialist, is a non-surgical method of treating your varicose veins. It entails injecting a solution (sclerosant) into the vein, which causes the vein to collapse and vanish over time.
- Endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation can be done by putting a catheter into the diseased vein and heating it with a heat source.
- Medical Glue Treatment is an emerging option for treating your varicose veins (VenaSeal). During this procedure, a medical-grade glue is injected into the damaged vein. This glue seals the vein shut.
- Outpatient ambulatory phlebectomy removes enlarged, unhealthy veins that are visible to the naked eye.
- Medication to alleviate the symptoms of restless leg syndrome is one option. Remember, though, that drugs rarely go to the root of the primary cause.
Your doctor can give you more specific information about how to treat restless leg syndrome based on how bad your symptoms are and how severe the disease is.
How to find help for Restless Leg Syndrome
If you have symptoms of restless leg syndrome or varicose veins, contact Vein Doctors Sydney. We can do an assessment and help you decide on a treatment that will help you feel better.
Our highly qualified and experienced team will provide you with the most effective therapy for this painful ailment. Call Vein Doctors Sydney on (02) 9023 9970.
FAQs
- Who is affected by Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome affects 10% of individuals. 2-3% suffer from moderate to severe symptoms impacting their lives. Although it can affect everyone, it is more common in women and the elderly. - Does Restless Legs Syndrome ever resolve?
Restless legs syndrome sometimes resolves itself. However, symptoms may worsen with time. - Can Restless Legs Syndrome be treated?
Treating an underlying medical problem such as varicose veins can improve RLS symptoms.