Are you kept awake at night by an irresistible urge to move your legs, a creeping sensation, or persistent leg movement during sleep? Some people also experience tingling, burning, aching, or numbness in the legs that becomes worse while resting. These symptoms are commonly associated with restless leg syndrome (RLS), a condition that can significantly disrupt sleep and overall quality of life.
While restless leg symptoms are often thought of as a neurological issue, they may also be linked to underlying vein disease. Problems with circulation in the legs, including chronic venous insufficiency, can contribute to the uncomfortable sensations that cause patients to move their legs for relief. At Vein Specialists of Geneva & Elk Grove, Dr. Kevin P. Kern evaluates circulation and vein health to determine whether underlying vein problems may be contributing to restless leg symptoms.
Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome
RLS is thought to affect as much as 15 percent of the general population. The symptoms of RLS are worse at night or during periods of relaxation, such as lying down during the day. They tend to improve with activity. These symptoms disrupt the sleep not only of the RLS sufferer but can disrupt the sleep of their bed partner as well.
RLS and Varicose Veins
Venous insufficiency is an often-overlooked cause of RLS. Several studies indicate that as many as 22% of those with RLS also have venous insufficiency. When restless legs occur with venous insufficiency, the RLS can be improved significantly by treating the varicose veins.
A study published in the Journal of Phlebology reported that in patients with both RLS and venous disease, 98 percent had their RLS symptoms relieved with varicose vein treatment and 80 percent of experienced long-term relief. A simple office evaluation and noninvasive duplex ultrasound of your legs is the first step you should take. If you are diagnosed with underlying venous disease and you have restless legs, there is hope.
How Is RLS Treated?
We recommend that anyone who suffers from the symptoms of RLS schedule a consultation with our office. During this consultation, we will perform a diagnostic ultrasound assessment. This ultrasound tells us if venous insufficiency is present. If so, we will plan a course of treatment for the varicose veins, which usually includes a combination of laser treatment and sclerotherapy. This treatment will treat the varicose veins and can improve the symptoms of RLS, avoiding the lifelong need to take a neurologic medication.
Why Choose Us For RLS Vein Care
Restless leg symptoms can have several causes, and identifying the source of the problem is an important first step toward effective relief. Because circulation problems in the legs can contribute to restless sensations, evaluating the vascular system is often an important part of determining the underlying cause.
Dr. Kern regularly performs advanced ultrasound exams and has completed thousands of minimally invasive, catheter-based, and ultrasound-guided vascular procedures. He focuses specifically on conditions affecting circulation in the legs, making him well suited to evaluate vein problems that may contribute to restless leg symptoms. For more than 25 years, he has diagnosed and treated conditions such as varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, lower extremity swelling, venous stasis, and restless leg symptoms related to vein disease.
Physicians throughout the region often refer patients to Dr. Kern for second opinions and evaluation of complex vein conditions. Because the practice focuses exclusively on vein disease, patients receive care from a physician whose work centers on diagnosing circulation problems and improving vascular health. Early evaluation and treatment can help relieve symptoms, reduce the risk of complications such as venous ulcers or deep vein thrombosis, and support healthier circulation over time.
Help With RLS in Geneva and Elk Grove Village
Contact Vein Specialists of Geneva & Elk Grove at 224.521.4224 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kern and get on the path to restful nights and pain-free legs.