RESTLESS LEGS COULD MEAN TROUBLE
Who Gets Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
Restless legs syndrome or what we refer to as (RLS) may affect up to 10 percent of the U.S. population. It affects both sexes, but is more common in women and may begin at any age, even in young children. Most people who are affected severely are middle-aged or older.
(RLS) is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. This is especially true if the symptoms are intermittent or mild. Once correctly diagnosed, (RLS) can often be treated successfully. Left untreated it can lead to worse conditions and even be life threatening. Here at the Alpha Vein Clinic Las Vegas it is our speciality to diagnose and treat restless leg syndrome!
What are common signs and symptoms of restless legs?
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. These sensations less commonly affect the arms, and rarely the chest or head. Although the sensations can occur on just one side of the body, they most often affect both sides. They can also alternate between sides. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.
Because moving the legs relieves the discomfort, people with (RLS) often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, and toss and turn in bed.
A classic feature of (RLS) is that the symptoms are worse at night with a distinct symptom-free period in the early morning, allowing for more refreshing sleep at that time. Some people with (RLS) have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They may also note a worsening of symptoms if their sleep is further reduced by events or activity.
(RLS) symptoms may vary from day to day, in severity and frequency, and from person to person. In moderately severe cases, symptoms occur only once or twice a week but often result in significant delay of sleep onset, with some disruption of daytime function. In severe cases of (RLS), the symptoms occur more than twice a week and result in burdensome interruption of sleep and impairment of daytime function.
People with (RLS) can sometimes experience remissions—spontaneous improvement over a period of weeks or months before symptoms re-appear, usually during the early stages of the disorder. In general, however, symptoms become more severe over time.
People who have both (RLS) and an associated medical condition tend to develop more severe symptoms rapidly. In contrast, those who have (RLS) that is not related to any other condition show a very slow progression of the disorder, particularly if they experience onset at an early age; many years may pass before symptoms occur regularly.
Restless Leg Syndrome And Venous Disease:
There is evidence of a link between venous disease and restless leg syndrome, such as varicose veins and swelling. Both conditions cause pain, discomfort, and heaviness in the legs; these symptoms can cause restlessness in the legs, further keeping you up at night.
Venous disease, as a source for your Restless Leg symptoms, is often overlooked by physicians. Vein disease in general is also underdiagnosed and undertreated across the nation as a whole.
You can have vein disease without visible varicose veins, spider veins or leg swelling. It is easy to see how you and your regular physician may not realize your symptoms including restless leg could indicate underlying vein disease.
If this sounds like you, come see us for a consultation to get you out of pain and back to you. A simple office evaluation and noninvasive duplex ultrasound of your legs by us here at the Alpha Vein Clinic Las Vegas is the first step you should take. If you are diagnosed with underlying venous disease and you have restless legs, there is hope we have amazing treatments that can get you fixed up in one day and on a great path to recovery.
Treatments For Venous Disease And Restless Legs:
Treatment usually begins with easing symptoms to make your RLS more manageable. If you have mild to moderate symptoms, changing your sleeping and eating patterns and general lifestyle can help. Starting and exercise program and eliminating alcohol, caffeine and tobacco can also help.
Studies indicate that a some patients with both restless legs and vein disease have improvement in their symptoms with treatment of their vein disease. The treatment for vein disease range from simple conservative measure: regular exercise, use of graduated compression hose, rest breaks with leg elevation, healthy weight management and avoiding high heels except for special occasions. Minimally invasive office based treatments can also correct the underlying vein problem, visible varicose and spider veins. Many of our patients report a significant improvement in their restless leg symptoms with these approaches to vein care and treatment.
Tired Of Restless Legs Contact Us!
If you’re tired of the itchy, pins and needles, creepy crawly feeling that your legs feel at night, contact us for any questions you may have and to set up your first appointment today at (702) 430 7661. We will evaluate your leg and vein health, determine if your restless legs are a symptom of venous disease, and recommend treatments where necessary. Your health and vein treatment is safe with us!
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
You Can Now Call Us 24/7