How Do You Know If You Have Restless Leg Syndrome?
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
Imagine finally getting the chance to lie down in bed after another long day. All you want to do is drift off to sleep, but you can’t shake this uncontrollable urge to move your legs. It’s been going on for months and is slowly changing over from a mild annoyance to intolerable. You may have restless leg syndrome, but how do you know for sure?
Approximately 1 in 10 adults suffer from restless leg syndrome (RLS). RLS is classified as a sleep disorder since it is best known for rearing its ugly head while a person is at rest—especially when sitting or lying down. It affects more women than men and can begin at any age. For many individuals, RLS can feel like pins and needles or itchiness and only improves or is eliminated completely with movement.
Do You Have Any of These Symptoms?
- Irresistible urge to move your legs while sitting or resting
- Itchiness
- Pins and needles
- Creepy crawly feeling in legs
- Numbness
- Burning
- Aching
- Tugging
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Muscle cramps
Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
The problem with restless leg syndrome and choosing the right treatment option is that it can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms come and go. And since the sensation typically happens at night, you may not experience any symptoms when visiting the doctor.
It’s important to realize that a variety of factors can cause symptoms, which means RLS treatment is more effective once your doctor can figure out the underlying cause.
For example, the National Sleep Foundation says 98% of patients who experience RLS found symptom relief after treating varicose veins in their legs with non-surgical sclerotherapy. Many physicians believe varicose vein problems, including chronic lower extremity venous insufficiency, cause RLS since blood is not emptying out of the legs properly. Moving one’s legs may be the only way to pump blood back toward the heart. In a published study, patients saw an 80% improvement in RLS symptoms after treatment of venous insufficiency.
Factors other than venous insufficiency that contribute to RLS include:
- Chronic diseases – Diabetes, iron deficiency, and kidney failure all include symptoms of RLS. Treating these conditions can provide relief for RLS.
- Pregnancy – Pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, can cause RLS symptoms until after delivery.
- Medications – Certain types of medications may bring on symptoms or make them worse.
- Genetics – Restless leg syndrome is not always hereditary but does run in some families.
Treatment Options You Can Do
If you or someone you know has restless leg syndrome, the following are a few home treatment options:
- Hot baths, heating pads, or ice packs
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Medications (speak with your doctor about the right option for you)
- Exercise (including yoga and meditation)
- Healthy diet
- Leg massages
Schedule an Appointment with StrideCare
The vascular physicians at StrideCare are board certified diagnostic radiologists with additional fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology. StrideCare has long been a leader in performing leading-edge procedures to treat venous disease such as varicose veins, spider veins, restless leg syndrome, pelvic congestion syndrome, iliac vein stenosis and more—all the while providing compassionate patient care.
If your legs need treatment, or you have questions on restless leg syndrome, the experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results. Request an appointment for a vein disease evaluation to discuss your options.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves the South Texas area including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Bay City, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, and more.
