What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder that creates an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, typically at night or when resting. RLS is caused by a malfunction in the brain’s nerve signaling to the muscles, making it difficult to remain still. Although not life-threatening, RLS can disrupt sleep and interfere with daily activities, often leaving individuals tired or irritable.
Frequently, RLS is a symptom of vein disease, also known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Addressing vein problems can improve circulation and reduce restless leg symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome
Uncomfortable sensations such as tingling and aching often accompany restless legs syndrome. These feelings usually improve temporarily when moving, stretching, or walking, but they frequently return when movement stops.
Symptoms usually begin or worsen at night when trying to fall asleep. They can also occur during periods of inactivity, such as during a plane flight or while sitting at a desk working.
Restlessness and twitching of the legs, and sometimes other limbs, make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. When restless leg syndrome interferes with sleep, daytime effects can include fatigue, irritability, and mood changes.
What does Restless Leg Syndrome Feel Like?
Restless legs syndrome often causes sensations in the legs, such as:
- Tingling
- Crawling
- Aching
- Itching
- Throbbing
The degree and severity of restless legs vary based on different factors, such as the underlying cause.
What Causes Restless Legs?
Restless legs syndrome can have several causes, so identifying its triggers is key to receiving the proper treatment and lasting relief.
Primary RLS
Primary restless legs syndrome often develops without a clear medical cause. In many cases, a connection to genetics appears to exist, with similar symptoms occurring in families.
Secondary RLS
Several potential causes of restless leg syndrome are connected to other health conditions or lifestyle factors, such as:
- Vein disease and varicose veins
- Nerve damage or neuropathy
- Iron deficiency
- Pregnancy
- Kidney disease
- Excessive caffeine consumption
One of the strongest links is between restless legs and varicose veins. When both conditions are present, symptoms may be caused by vein disease. Treating vein disease can improve circulation and may bring significant relief from RLS.
Who Is Most at Risk for Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome can affect anyone. However, specific factors can increase the likelihood of developing symptoms, including:
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, vein disease, or neuropathy.
- Family history
- Hormonal and circulatory changes
Individuals with these risk factors who experience restless legs should seek evaluation from a medical professional, such as a vein specialist, to address the underlying condition before it progresses.
How RLS Is Diagnosed
There is no single test for restless leg syndrome, so diagnosis typically involves a combination of exams. A vein specialist may review a patient’s medical history and symptoms to identify patterns, along with a physical examination that may include MRI or ultrasound imaging. Additional testing, such as a blood test or a vascular screening, may be necessary to detect other underlying conditions.
The Connection Between RLS and Vein Health
Restless legs syndrome and vein disease are closely linked, with many patients experiencing these conditions simultaneously. Both can cause nighttime leg discomfort, heaviness, and disrupted sleep. If you struggle with restless legs and also notice varicose veins, receiving an evaluation for a diagnosis can help, as treatment may alleviate both issues.
How Vein Disease Affects Leg Comfort
There isn’t always a clear cause of RLS, but medical researchers have found a connection between varicose veins and restless leg syndrome.
Varicose veins are one symptom of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that occurs when leg veins do not let blood flow efficiently back to the heart. This inefficient flow leads to pooling of blood, resulting in poor circulation, swelling, and heavy, uncomfortable legs.
Overlapping Symptoms
RLS and vein disease often share similar symptoms. Varicose veins and restless leg syndrome both primarily affect the legs. Both conditions can also cause nighttime leg discomfort, heaviness, aching, and an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. People with varicose veins frequently report throbbing or painful legs, which are common overlapping symptoms of RLS.
Signs that venous insufficiency may be contributing to your restless legs include:
- Leg swelling
- Heaviness or fatigue in the legs
- Aching or throbbing pain
- Itchiness
- Family history of varicose veins or RLS
Why Vein Screenings Matter
Although RLS originates in the nervous system, underlying vein problems can intensify or mimic the sensations of restless legs. Treating vein disease not only improves circulation and leg comfort but can also bring significant relief from RLS.
If you have both varicose veins and restless legs, addressing your vein health may be the key to better sleep, improved circulation, and lasting relief.
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Restless Leg Syndrome Treatments
While there’s no cure for restless leg syndrome, some treatments can effectively reduce your symptoms, depending on what’s causing RLS in the first place.
For those with restless legs and varicose veins, treating the vein disease may provide relief. Vein treatment can improve circulation, reduce pressure in the legs, and, in many cases, bring relief from RLS.
One study published in 2023 found that 85 percent of patients reporting RLS symptoms also had compromised vein health. After being treated for vein disease with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, a non-surgical treatment for varicose veins, 100 percent of patients reported relief from RLS symptoms.
Another study from 2019 revealed similar results. This time, the patients were treated with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). After treatment, 83 percent noticed fewer symptoms.
USA Vein Clinics offers minimally invasive, FDA-approved vein treatments that can address these issues, such as:
- Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment (EVLT)
- ClariVein®
- Varithena
- Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS)
- VenaSeal™
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Visual Sclerotherapy
For individuals experiencing symptoms of both varicose veins and restless leg syndrome, consulting our vein specialists can help determine if vein disease may be contributing to these symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan after diagnosis.
When to See a Vein Doctor About RLS
Restless leg syndrome can impact everything from your sleep quality to your long-term well-being. Worsening symptoms, discomfort spreading beyond the legs, or difficulty sleeping may indicate an underlying condition, such as vein disease, that requires evaluation.
A vein screening and accurate diagnosis are especially important when restless legs occur with swelling, heaviness, aching, or visible varicose veins. USA Vein Clinics specialists can determine whether venous insufficiency may be contributing to RLS symptoms. Schedule an appointment with a specialist at one of our IAC-accredited facilities to evaluate symptoms and discuss treatment options.
FAQs About Restless Legs Syndrome
Is Restless Legs Syndrome the Same as Poor Circulation?
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and poor circulation are two different conditions. RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, while poor circulation is a vascular issue that affects blood flow, leading to swelling, aching, heaviness, and discomfort.
Can Treating Vein Disease Help Restless Legs?
Treating vein disease can provide relief from RLS symptoms. For those struggling with vein issues, consulting a vein specialist for evaluation and treatment is the most effective way to manage symptoms.
Does RLS Get Worse With Age?
RLS often becomes more common or severe with age, although not everyone with restless leg syndrome experiences worsening symptoms over time.
Is Restless Legs Syndrome Permanent?
RLS is a chronic condition that can persist for an extended period of time. In some individuals, it may be temporary or intermittent.