Restless Leg Syndrome and Vein Health

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder in which the person who suffers from it has a consistent urge to move their limbs. RLS most commonly affects a person’s legs, but, despite its name, it can also affect the arms and torso area as well. Even people who have had limbs amputated have reported experiencing RLS in their phantom limbs, creating symptoms of unease and discomfort and of an itch that just can’t be scratched. The only action that reduces the odd sensations in the limbs or phantom limbs is moving the affected area.

RLS most strongly affects people during times of inactivity, and can make it extremely difficult for a person to relax, rest, or sleep. While RLS can appear in a person at any age, it is considered both a progressive disease and a spectrum disease. RLS symptoms can either become worse over time or better, depending on the patient, and the severity of symptoms also varies strongly from patient to patient. RLS can also be classified as either a primary condition – one that appears independent of other conditions – or a secondary condition – one that appears as a result of another condition or disorder that is already present.

The most common cause of RLS is iron deficiency, however, many cases occur as a result of varicose veins or veinous reflux. Varicose veins are not only physically unattractive, but they can also cause severe discomfort and pain in the afflicted area, a discomfort that, like in RLS, can only be alleviated by activity and movement. Fortunately, as more is becoming known about the correlation between RLS and vein disorders, many patients are finding relief for their RLS symptoms through treatments of their veins.

One such treatment for varicose veins is endovenous ablation therapy, a procedure that uses heat in either lasers or radio frequencies to seal off and close affected veins. Many patients report immediate relief in their symptoms, and, because the procedure is minimally invasive and relatively painless, most patients are able to resume their normal activities almost immediately and experience no interruption in their work or home life as a result.

Unfortunately, RLS itself cannot be prevented except by attempting to prevent its underlying causes. In terms of varicose veins and venous insufficiency, the best things that a person can do to prevent such disorders is to remain active, exercise frequently, maintain a healthy diet and weight, not smoke cigarettes, and to elevate the legs when sitting or laying down. While these actions cannot prevent all the underlying causes of RLS, they can at least help to prevent those instances where RLS is caused by venous insufficiency.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome, seeing a physician that specializes in vein disorders could be the most important step you take towards alleviating your symptoms. While there is no cure for RLS, no one should have to suffer through daily and nightly discomfort, and treatments are available through most insurance policies. Dr. Magnant of Vein Specialists is always available for a consultation and diagnosis, and is here to help whether your RLS is simply a minor annoyance or a major disruption in your quality of life.