Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)? There is help!
Restless Leg Syndrome is a condition that affects 10-15 % of the US population. RLS causes an often uncontrollable urge to move one’s legs which is often accompanied with other unpleasant sensations or cramps in the legs. Most patients with RLS report that moving their legs movement is the only way to relieve their discomfort. And, the worst part of RLS is that it usually occurs at bedtime, resulting in difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Many believe there is a relationship between Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and varicose veins as healthy veins return blood to the heart. When patients experience vein failure (varicose veins), blood begins to flow backwards toward the feet, causing blood to pool in these unhealthy veins. This can lead to a buildup of toxic metabolic waste, which can cause aching, throbbing, cramping, fatigue and symptoms of RLS including an irresistible urge to move one’s body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations.
Venous Insufficiency and Restless Legs Syndrome
RLS is associated with a number of underlying factors, including iron deficiency, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, other neurological disorders and venous insufficiency. The symptoms of venous insufficiency and restless leg syndrome are often almost interchangeable and it’s been determined that many patients with diagnosed venous insufficiency find resolution of their restless leg syndrome after successful vein treatment.
The symptoms of RLS, just like the symptoms of any medical condition, vary from person to person. These symptoms include aching, burning, tingling sensations which are often reported as an uncontrollable urge to move the legs to find relief. This uncontrollable urge to move is generally worse at night and can cause significant sleep deprivation.
Medical research statistics show that treatment of venous insufficiency often relieves the symptoms of RLS. According to a study in the journal Phlebology, when patients with restless leg syndrome and venous insufficiency are treated for their venous insufficiency, 98% of them experienced relief from their restless legs syndrome and 80% of them reported long-term relief.
Venous Insufficiency often results in varicose veins; but not always. That is why RLS sufferers should be screened even if they don’t have the bulging twisted veins that often result from venous insufficiency
We recommend screening RLS patients for venous insufficiency before prescribing systemic medications which have many potential side effects. A thorough examination including Duplex Ultrasound is the evaluation method of choice. If venous insufficiency is found, it should be treated to prevent more serious health issues down the road and to try to alleviate the cause of RLS. The good news is that we now have non-invasive office based laser treatments that are very effective and practically painless.
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