Treating Varicose Veins : an overlooked cure for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

The cause of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is still largely unknown, but it appears to have multiple contributing factors. Symptoms of RLS include: abnormal sensations of creepiness which are only relieved by moving the legs, irresistible urges to move the legs, persistent leg movements during sleep, sleep difficulty, tingling, burning, aching, and numbness.Vein problems such as varicose veins and other related conditions of venous insufficiency can also cause very similar symptoms. Recent medical research shows that 22% of patients with RLS also have venous insufficiency[1].

Most RLS is treated with medication that work on dopamine receptors such as Mirapex. Approximately 80% of patients have long lasting relief of symptoms by taking a medication everyday such as Mirapex or similar medications[2]. However, a small percentage has worsening of their symptoms. There can be other side effects related to the medication such as: blood pressure dropping upon standing, drowsiness, hallucinations, voluntary movement difficulties, double vision, and compulsive behaviors. Most patients would much rather have a single intervention that could relieve their symptoms for the rest of their lives.

Venous insufficiency, which is caused by back flow in the veins in the legs, is also a common cause of restlessness in the legs. Many people with venous insufficiency . Vein problems happen in more than 25 percent of the population. Symptoms such as swelling, tenderness, restlessness, and fatigue in the legs are often caused by vein disease. Many people with these symptoms are unaware they are caused by venous circulation problems. Venous insufficiency can be well treated with a laser to close the backward flowing veins. New medical research has shown that the treatment of venous insufficiency can cure the symptoms of RLS. In fact in patient with RLS and venous insufficiency, 98% had relief of their symptoms of RLS by treating their venous insufficiency and 80% of patients the relief was long term [> 2ys][3]. In light of this new information it makes sense for any one  who has symptoms of restlessness in their legs to be evaluated for venous insufficiency with a simple ultrasound test. If found the treatment of venous insufficiency has the best chance of complete relief of symptoms.

[1] : Where dopamine meets opiodis: a meta-analysis of the placebo effect in restless legs syndrome treatment studies.

Fulda S, Stalla Wetter TC.

J Neurol. 2007 Dec;254(12):1748-9. Epub 2007 Nov. 9. No abstract available.

PMID: 17990060 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

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[2] Langer RD, Ho E. Denenbery JO, Fronek A, Allison M, Criqui MH. Relationships Between Symptoms and Venous Disease: The San Diego population study, Arch Intern Med.2005.165:1420-1424.

[3]  The effect of sclerotherapy on restless legs syndrome.

Kanter AH.

Dermatol Surg. 1995 Apr;21(4):328-32.

PMID: 7728485 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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[4] The effect of endovenous laser ablation on restless legs syndrome.

Hayes CA, Kingsley JR, Hamby KR, Carlow J.

Phlebology. 2008;23(3):112-7.

PMID: 18467618 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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