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Restless Leg Syndrome in Alaska
The Admin • July 5, 2019
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
What is restless leg syndrome and how are they linked to Varicose Veins?
A universal question asked by skilled vein specialists is "Are you kept awake at night with irresistible urges to move your legs; a “creeping” feeling in the legs; persistent leg movement during sleep; or tingling, burning, aching or numbness of the legs"? If you answered yes, you might have what is known as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Alaskans face such extreme living conditions that we feel we can tough out pain, uncomfortable body aches, or suffer from treatable conditions.
Varicose veins are caused by unhealthy valves within the veins. When these valves fail or leak, the blood falls backward through the poorly functioning valves causing the blood to pool and appear enlarged, twisted or bulging. Scientists first theorized a connection with RLS due to the similar side effects of varicose vein sufferers including pain, fatigue, itching, burning, cramping, restlessness and throbbing. The symptoms of RLS are worse at night or during periods of relaxation, such as lying down during the day. These symptoms disrupt the sleep not only of the RLS sufferer but can disrupt the sleep of their bed partner as well. Many physicians believe that it is the underlying vein problems that are causing the Restless Leg Syndrome, and by treating this with an outpatient procedure, patients can get relief.
How do I know if I have Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?
Are you having trouble sleeping at night because of an uncomfortable sensation in your legs? Do you feel the need to move your legs in order to relieve the sensation? People with RLS feel the irresistible urge to move, which is accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in their lower limbs that are unlike normal sensations experienced by people without the disorder. The sensations in their legs are often difficult to define but may be described as aching throbbing, pulling, itching, crawling, or creeping. If this sounds like you, you will want to call us at (907) 334-3347 to schedule a consultation.
Can my Restless Leg Syndrome be caused by Venous Insufficiency?
Your veins have one-way valves that allow blood to travel up toward the heart, without gravity causing it to flow back toward your feet. When these one-way valves and vein walls become damaged and thin, blood can pool in the veins in the legs, causing those veins to become larger, pushing on the structures inside the leg. This will then cause pain, itching, dry skin, swelling, and redness. Left untreated, the skin can eventually break down, and an ulcer may form. As mentioned above, physicians believe that these underlying vein problems can cause Restless Leg Syndrome.
What are my first steps with treating Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?
Restless leg is treatable! 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 by your vein specialists is the first step you should take. If you are diagnosed with underlying venous disease and you have restless legs, there is hope.
What if I want to work with a vein specialist?
If you haven't had any luck treating your varicose veins at home, Alaska Vein Care may be able to help!
Click below to schedule a free consultation with a vein specialist right here in town.
To learn more about Varicose and Spider Vein Care click on the following link https://www.alaskaveincare.com/services
To learn more about our Varicose Vein Specialists, click on the following Link https://www.alaskaveincare.com/#Providers
Call us at (907) 334-3347 to schedule a free 10-minute complementary consultation
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