Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is often the unexplained desire or uncontrollable urge to move one’s legs. People explain this as tingling, itching, burning or throbbing that usually happens in the legs, but can also affect the chest, arms and face. The sensations can be mild or severe and are usually worse during the night and in the evening. The syndrome may also occur when someone is inactive, sitting or standing for prolonged periods (flying, watching movies, etc.) The discomfort can sometimes be relieved by moving your legs, but the feelings often recur once the movement stops. Learn more about restless legs by calling us at 888-782-8346.
While there is often no physical cause of Restless Leg Syndrome, this is not the case when RLS is combined with varicose veins.
Varicose veins can cause achy legs, especially at the end of the day or at night. This often translates into RLS in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort. Sometimes, the removal of those varicose veins is the answer to eliminating RLS.
If you don’t see varicose veins on the surface, but suffer from RLS, especially when combined with other symptoms such as leg pain, heaviness, cramps or fatigue, you may be dealing with venous insufficiency. These veins can cause more significant problems, which is why it is important to visit with your doctor about any RLS issues you are experiencing.
Venous Insufficiency prevents your blood from flowing back to your heart and lung. As valves weaken and get damaged, blood keeps flowing backward to the legs. Venous Insufficiency can cause leg aching, leg heaviness, leg pain, muscle cramps, leg ulcers, discoloration, etc.
After a blood clot occurs in leg veins, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis, a condition called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) can occur. PTS is a type of chronic insufficiency that is caused by damaged veins following a blood clot. It can cause pain, swelling, ulcers, aching legs, itching and burning, and more. All of these can be accompanied by a restless feeling that is most noticeable at night.
Other non-vascular contributors can be at the root of restless legs. Low iron levels can lead to a restless feeling, and deficiencies in magnesium and folate can affect the muscles and nerves. During the assessment process, nutrient levels can be tested through the blood to rule out deficiencies.
Certain long-term health conditions are related to restless legs syndrome. Kidney disease, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy can all affect nerve signaling in the legs and increase sensations like tingling and the urge to move. It is important to us to look at the full picture to determine whether vein disease or another cause may be contributing. If your symptoms are resulting from another condition, we can refer you to the appropriate physicians during your consultation.
Hormonal shifts can increase the likelihood of restless legs. This is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Increased blood volume and pressure on the pelvic veins can also contribute to leg discomfort. For many of these women, symptoms resolve after delivery. For others, additional assessment may be needed to check for underlying vein issues.
Physicians Vein Clinics
It’s estimated that 7-10% of Americans have RLS, both men and women. It may begin at any age but worsen over time.
Some people with RLS never seek medical attention because they worry they won’t be taken seriously, but RLS can interfere with your sleep and cause daytime drowsiness and affect your quality of life. Untreated moderate to severe RSL can cause a 20% decrease in work performance, and other side effects such as daytime exhaustion and sleepiness.
Our clinics in Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa offer a Free screening to every patient to determine the causes of restless legs syndrome.
Physicians Vein Clinics
Once venous insufficiency is determined as the cause of restless leg syndrome, a consultation with our vein specialist will help you develop a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your conditions and needs, different procedures will be suggested.
Conservative therapy might be suggested first. The therapy includes:
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (EVRF) also treats veins that aren’t functioning properly. The technology, radiofrequency energy, emits heat that is strong enough to seal off veins without irritating the surrounding tissue. Radiofrequency waves are emitted through a catheter that is inserted into the vein.
Varithena is another treatment that does not require incisions or stitches. We numb the treatment site and then inject a microfoam into the vein. As it comes into contact with the vein, it causes it to close. Then the medication safely disperses through, affecting only the vein we would like to treat.
VenaSeal eliminates abnormal blood flow using a special glue that seals the vein shut. This medical adhesive only takes a few minutes to insert into the vein, and it often provides fast symptom relief for those with restless legs. Compression stockings are not always required after VenaSeal, unlike other treatments, and it offers a high success rate.
Sclerotherapy is a treatment used for smaller varicose veins that are contributing to leg symptoms. A medication is injected into the vein, where it encourages it to close and send blood through other veins in the legs. When restless legs syndrome is connected to swelling or pressure, closing veins can reduce nighttime discomfort.
This treatment removes bulging veins from underneath the surface of the skin using small openings. We use minimally invasive techniques without incisions to limit discomfort. Our patients can return to their normal activities right away after ambulatory phlebectomy with simple aftercare strategies, like wearing compression stockings and staying hydrated.
If you struggle with restless legs at night, it may be time to look for a deeper cause. Vein disease is one possible reason, and it can lead to more symptoms and complications if not identified and addressed early. At Physicians Vein Clinics, our board-certified vein doctors will evaluate you and offer minimally invasive, in-office treatments that treat the source of vein problems.
The most noticeable symptom of RLS is an urge to move the legs. Other commonly-known characteristics include:
Most patients describe the sensations as:
Vein-related restless legs syndrome is diagnosed with a vascular evaluation and ultrasound imaging. We also look closely at all of your symptoms and medical history, and we will examine your legs for signs of venous reflux. A duplex ultrasound allows us to see how blood is flowing and whether there is any valve dysfunction that may be causing nighttime discomfort.
Dehydration and caffeine can intensify restless legs syndrome regardless of its cause. Dehydration affects muscle function, and caffeine can stimulate the nervous system and increase restlessness. One good step to take is to increase your hydration and electrolytes throughout the day, and avoid caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening.
RLS can be progressive, and it is more likely to occur with increased age. Symptoms may start as occasional discomfort and become more frequent, especially if any underlying causes are not addressed.
