Vein Conditions
Restless Legs
Causes & Treatments
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition characterised by an overwhelming need to move the legs. This compulsion often stems from an unpleasant sensation in the legs, which typically arises during the evening or night, particularly when one is sitting or lying down. Movement temporarily alleviates the discomfort.
RLS can manifest at any age and generally becomes more severe over time, leading to disrupted sleep and difficulties in daily functioning.
Fortunately, various self-care practices and lifestyle modifications can mitigate the symptoms, as well as medications proving to be effective for many individuals suffering from RLS.
Restless Legs
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Common Symptoms of Restless Legs
Common Experiences Include
Discomfort Starting During Periods of Rest: This often arises after lying down or sitting for a prolonged duration, such as during a car ride, flight, or in a cinema.
Alleviation Through Movement: Engaging in activities like stretching, leg jiggling, pacing, or walking can mitigate RLS sensations.
Increased Symptoms in the Evening: Symptoms predominantly manifest at night.
Nocturnal Leg Twitching: RLS is frequently linked to periodic limb movement of sleep, a condition characterised by leg twitches and kicks during sleep, which may persist throughout the night.
Individuals typically describe RLS as compelling and unpleasant sensations in the legs or feet, commonly affecting both sides of the body, though the arms may be involved less frequently.
These sensations are felt deep within the leg rather than on the surface and are often described as crawling, creeping, pulling, throbbing, aching, itching and electric pain.
It’s not unusual for symptoms to fluctuate, with periods of relief followed by recurrence.
The Risks Associated with Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can present at any age, including during childhood, although it becomes more prevalent with advancing years and is more frequently observed in women than in men.
Whilst RLS is typically not associated with a severe underlying health issue, it can be linked to other medical conditions.
Venous Insufficiency: Venous insufficiency is a condition where the valves in the leg veins fail to function effectively, leading to improper blood circulation. As a result, blood accumulates in the legs, causing healthy veins to become varicose and often triggering symptoms for RLS.
Peripheral Neuropathy: This involves nerve damage in the extremities, often resulting from chronic conditions such as diabetes or alcohol use disorder.
Iron Deficiency: A lack of sufficient iron in the body can trigger or exacerbate RLS. Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, heavy menstrual cycles, or frequent blood donations are particularly at risk.
Kidney Failure: Inadequate kidney function can lead to reduced iron levels and anaemia, which may contribute to or worsen RLS. The disruption in body chemistry due to kidney failure can also play a role.
Spinal Cord Issues: Injuries or conditions affecting the spinal cord, including those resulting from spinal anaesthesia, have been associated with a heightened risk of RLS.
Parkinson’s Disease: Patients with Parkinson’s disease who use dopaminergic agonists are at an elevated risk of developing RLS.
RLS Treatment & Further Care
Symptoms of restless legs syndrome may subside once an underlying issue, like iron deficiency, is addressed.
For individuals experiencing RLS without a related health condition, the primary approach involves modifying lifestyle habits. Should these adjustments prove insufficient, medical intervention with prescribed medications may be necessary.
Making an appointment at Cosmetic & Veins Clinic will enable our doctors to take a full medical history and scan your legs for any possible venous or arterial causes. This helps to exclude certain underlying causes. If a venous cause is found we can discuss possible solutions.
