There is a strong similarity between Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) symptoms and vein disease symptoms. Both illnesses can have a serious impact on your life. Seeking treatment for vein disease can also help with many of the causes of Restless Leg Syndrome and help improve your health.
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
RLS is best identified by an uncontrollable desire to move one’s legs. Other symptoms include:
- Painful, achy sensations
- A heavy feeling in the legs
- Leg cramps
- Throbbing or itching sensations
Many people who have RLS find that their symptoms are worse at night when they go to bed and improve with movement. Restless Leg Syndrome can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep at night.
Restless Leg Syndrome affects nearly 10% of people in the United States. Scientists aren’t sure what causes RLS exactly, but they believe that genetics are a key factor. Similar to varicose veins, if someone in your family has Restless Leg Syndrome, you have a higher chance of also having RLS.
Does vein disease cause RLS?
Many cases of Restless Leg Syndrome are considered primary, which means doctors aren’t quite sure what’s causing RLS. Secondary Restless Leg Syndrome is due to an existing medical condition. Varicose veins are one of the main causes of secondary RLS; nearly 22% of RLS patients also have vein disease.
Varicose veins or spider veins do not always show when a patient has vein disease. Varicose vein symptoms are very similar to RLS symptoms. It may be difficult to distinguish the difference between RLS and underlying vein disease, which is why it’s important to have an in-depth conversation with your doctor about your family history and symptoms.
Can vein treatment help with Restless Leg Syndrome?
98% of patients whose vein disease is directly treated also experience relief from RLS. Treatments range from relatively simple measures, such as improved exercise and compression stockings, all the way to in-office procedures used to treat varicose veins including laser vein therapy and sclerotherapy. Discuss vein disease solutions with your doctor to see if there are viable options to treat your Restless Leg Syndrome.