Restless Legs? You may have Vein Disease.

What are Restless Legs and What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

RLS is a condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move your leg muscles while sitting or lying down or resting. It often leads to disruptive symptoms that can lead to sleep issues, fatigue, and poor quality of life.

While the exact cause of RLS is still unknown, it’s believed to be related to a nervous system disorder, resulting in abnormal brain activity. However, there is new evidence to suggest that vein problems can be linked to RLS, too. With unhealthy veins the venous pools in your leg veins which can lead to symptoms of restless legs along with leg pain, aching, and swelling.

Evaluation of Restless Legs and Varicose Veins

If you have restless legs, the evaluation involves a multidisciplinary approach and should include a vein consultation. The first goal of an office-based vein consultation first is to determine if there is underlying vein disease and if it may be contributing to your RLS; based on symptoms, physical exam, duplex ultrasound of the deep and superficial venous system, and other tests as deemed appropriate. The second goal is to develop a customized approach to your care based on your evaluation. This approach often includes lifestyle changes and treatment options which are discussed below.

Lifestyle Changes to Achieve Better Veins for Life®

If vein disease is diagnosed during your evaluation, we will likely begin with a conservative care plan. The conservative care plan includes lifestyle changes such as wearing compression socks, beginning an exercise routine, leg elevation, healthy weight management, and more. If these conservative measures help with your RLS symptoms, you should continue with them and consider any recommended procedures to treat your unhealthy veins.

Walk-In, Walk-Out® Procedures, With Little to No Downtime

At Vein Specialists of the South, we offer a wide range of minimally invasive procedures to treat varicose vein disease in our Georgia vein clinics. Our team of experienced vein specialists will assess your veins and determine the best plan of care for you to help you achieve your goals including endovenous therapy, sclerotherapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy.

Your treatments are designed to treat your ‘bad’ veins and leave the ‘good’ veins. As your healthy veins take over, your venous circulation improves along with your restless legs and venous disease symptoms. And after your treatment, you’ll enjoy that you can walk in and walk out with little to no downtime.