Restless Leg Syndrome and Varicose Veins

What is Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease (WED), is a common sleep-related movement disorder characterized by an unpleasant urge to move the legs. Symptoms often occur during periods of inactivity; particularly in the evenings. This urge to move is sometimes relieved by moving ones legs. During sleep, most patients’ limb movements, called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS), can wake the person from sleep. Common symptoms of restless leg include: need to move, a sensation of crawling, tingling, restless, leg cramping, leg pain, leg discomfort, and leg itching. (Similar terms have been used when patients describe symptoms associated with venous disease or varicose veins.)

 

Cause of Restless Leg Syndrome

The cause of restless legs syndrome remains poorly understood. Some studies have identified nervous system abnormalities in patients with the disorder. The most common conditions associated with RLS include: iron deficiency, renal failure, neuropathy, spinal cord issues, pregnancy, and multiple sclerosis. Antihistamines, antipsychotic medications, and many anti-nausea medications, and certain antidepressants can make symptoms of RLS worse.

 

Varicose Veins and Restless Leg Syndrome

The importance of discussing restless leg syndrome on a lower extremity vascular website is that there are conditions which mimic restless leg syndrome. Venous insufficiency, which mimics symptoms of restless leg syndrome, also exacerbates (worsens) symptoms of true RLS.

 

Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome

Currently a curative treatment does not exist for restless leg syndrome. There are certain medications on the market intended to minimize or mask symptoms. However, if you have symptoms of night leg cramps, numbness, burning, leg fatigue, leg heaviness, and/or ankle swelling, you may have venous disease. Venous insufficiency is managed with in office procedures. Symptoms improve quickly after intervention, and the majority of activities can be resumed within hours.

The best way to rule out Venous Disease for Restless Leg Syndrome is to come in for an Ultrasound Exam and Consultation. If you find your discomfort is being caused by venous insufficiency, you'll be extremely glad that you did come in...if not....there's one more thing that can be ruled out! 

 

I have spider veins that hurt!

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | May 9, 2019 | Comments Off on I have spider veins that hurt!

Question: I have spider veins on my legs and they really hurt to the touch. Can that be dangerous to my health? Answer: In the large picture, pain associated with spider veins is not life threatening.  It would be worthwhile to have an evaluation by a qualified provider to see if these spider veins are…

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I have had a blood clot before and I am worried.

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Apr 25, 2019 | Comments Off on I have had a blood clot before and I am worried.
blood clot

I am scheduled for a right leg radiofrequency ablation. I have venous insufficiency in the saphenous vein and have had a blood clot before. Question: In 2006, I underwent an artificial lumbar disk implant. This failed causing artificial disk to move into the spine. While surgeon removed the artificial disk implant, he nicked the liac…

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Sclerotherapy before endovenous laser vein treatment?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Apr 21, 2019 | Comments Off on Sclerotherapy before endovenous laser vein treatment?

My doctor said my vein is too large to have sclerotherapy performed first, is this true? Question: I have a few visible spider veins on my lower leg that I want treated with foam sclerotherapy. However, the doctor wants me to do endovenous laser treatment before the sclerotherapy. According to him, my vein is way…

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Same pain, new location

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Mar 21, 2019 | Comments Off on Same pain, new location
leg pain at night

I’m having the same pain that I had before my ablation procedure, except it is in a different new location. How long will this go on? Question:  It’s been 2 months since my GSV endovenous laser ablation procedure. I have the same pain that I had before the procedure, except it’s in a new location.…

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Circular wound with redness

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Mar 14, 2019 | Comments Off on Circular wound with redness

I recently had the VNUS procedure done (both legs, multiple veins).  Is it normal to have open, circular wound with redness and slight weepiness? Question: All of the other areas are healing nicely, but the area on my shin (a bit off center) has a much larger wound. It has been quite red in the…

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Compression socks make my legs hurt more, is this normal?

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Mar 2, 2019 | Comments Off on Compression socks make my legs hurt more, is this normal?

Question: How big of a size do compression stockings come in?  Answer:  Compression socks should be comfortable and supportive. If the stockings are making your symptoms worse, it is likely that they do not fit you correctly.  There are numerous companies that make standard sized compression stockings. Some make 7 to 8 different sizes.  Additionally,…

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Get rid of my varicose veins

By Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP | Feb 12, 2019 | Comments Off on Get rid of my varicose veins
get rid of my veins

Question: WHAT CAN I DO TO GET RID OF MY VARICOSE VEINS? Answer: There are numerous options to treat varicose veins. Some are considered medically necessary, while others are strictly cosmetic. Larger veins are treated in a myriad of ways depending on the provider you consult with and their proficiency in a given intervention. The…

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I injured my varicose vein over my knee, what should I do?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Feb 12, 2019 | Comments Off on I injured my varicose vein over my knee, what should I do?
injured varicose vein

Question: I knelt down the other day and injured the large varicose vein over my knee. It bruised quickly and felt very sore, so I put a pressure bandage on it. Since then, the vein bruise has spread and is now about 12″ up my thigh. It is very red, and I’m not sure what…

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What Treatment Options Are Available For My CVI?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Jan 15, 2019 | Comments Off on What Treatment Options Are Available For My CVI?
Compression Socks

Question: What treatment options are available for my CVI? I can’t sit or stand in one place and I have heavy, aching legs all of the time. I started to have achy, heavy leg feelings about a month after I sprained my right ankle and scratched my left knee last April. I was diagnosed with…

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Q&A: During my EVLT, I could smell and taste a slight “burning” odor plus I was dizzy during my procedure. Is that normal?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC | Jan 10, 2019 | Comments Off on Q&A: During my EVLT, I could smell and taste a slight “burning” odor plus I was dizzy during my procedure. Is that normal?

Question: During the EVLT laser procedure I really didn’t feel well, especially when the laser was on. I felt dizzy and the smell of “burning” freaked me out. Even after I was done, it took me couple hours to feel normal again. Is that normal? Answer: The “odor” and sometimes a taste is normal during…

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About Jason Babcock, MBA ACRP-CP

Jason is the Practice Administrator and CEO of Advanced Vein Institute of Arizona. Mr. Babcock brings over 30 years of healthcare administration experience to the organization with a strong background in finance, business development, operational improvement and customer service to AVIA.