Could your Restless Leg Syndrome really be venous disease?

Approximately 10% of the US population suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). This is a disorder that is characterized by involuntary movement of the legs when patients are resting or even sleeping. The patients move their legs around in an effort to get some relief from their discomfort. This constant movement however, leaves patients sleep deprived. There are numerous different underlying causes that can contribute to restless legs, and a number of treatments depending on the cause. Restless leg syndrome is also more common in women than men. Although there is no cure for Restless Leg Syndrome, there are ways to manage the symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as limiting caffeine and alcohol intake as well as exercising and stretching can help. Taking supplements such as iron, B12 and folate if you are deficient can also help as well as certain medications that your physician may prescribe.

Venous disease is an often overlooked cause of restless leg symptoms. This may be due to the fact that a patient with venous disease may have no visible evidence of varicose veins and therefore may not make the connection between the two. A study published in the journal Phlebology in 2008 showed that 90% of patients with RLS symptoms and underlying venous disease showed significant improvement in their RLS symptoms after having their venous disease treated. To those of us that treat patients with venous disease, we are aware that RLS appears to be a common overlapping clinical syndrome in patients with venous disease. Several scientific studies have also documented a link between the two conditions.

Vein disease can be easily diagnosed by a simple ultrasound done in the office in about 45 minutes to an hour. Because of the link between these two conditions and the significant improvement in RLS symptoms in patients that have their venous disease treated, anyone diagnosed with RLS or who suffers from symptoms of RLS should schedule a consult with a vascular specialist to be evaluated.

At Heart and Vascular Care, we only use the most state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date procedures currently available for diagnostic testing and strive to provide our patients with services that are both convenient and comfortable for them. We understand that every patient is unique and suffers from varying degrees of pain and mobility.

Contact Heart and Vascular Care today to schedule your testing needs with our award-winning physicians to have your individual testing needs assessed.