Restless Legs Syndrome and Varicose Vein Disease

Published: 28 August 2016

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition where a person feels compelled to move their legs, particularly when in bed and trying to sleep.

Restless legs syndrome also includes other sensations such as tingling, tugging, itching, aching, burning, twitching, throbbing, or a creepy-crawly sensation that causes patients to jiggle their legs to find relief. It disrupts sleep and, in some cases, leads to insomnia, as patients anticipate yet another night filled with unbearable symptoms.

There are several causes, with venous disease being a major contributor.
Other conditions such as iron deficiency, renal disease, diabetes, Parkinsons and peripheral neuropathy are also known causes.
Simple treatment may include limiting caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

Back in 1944, Dr Karl A Ekbom linked restless legs syndrome (RLS) with vein disease.
In 2008 a team of doctors, led by C.A. Hayes, conducted a study with 35 patients who had RLS ranging from moderate to severe who also had superficial venous insufficiency (SVI).
They found that the RLS symptoms in a majority of their patients improved after treating their venous disease.
Nearly 89 percent of the patients reported a distinct improvement, while more than 50 percent of the patients reported that most of their symptoms had vanished as a result of the treatment.
In addition, 31 percent of the patients experienced total relief.

For RLS patients, this is potentially great news !

Varicose vein disease is usually visible at the skin surface, however, there can be extensive disease which is not readily apparent with it being “hidden” below the skin surface. Ultrasound uation is required to demonstrate this disease.

If you are one of those patients with restless legs syndrome it may be worth being assessed by a vein specialist (phlebologist) to see whether there is any vein disease contributing to the restless leg syndrome which may be treated.

At Specialist Vein Care, Dr. Ivor Berman and his staff are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, utilising minimally invasive procedures. We can discuss your particular venous issue, discuss options and create an individualised treatment plan if required

To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone 9561 5155.