Could Venous Disease Lead to Restless Leg Syndrome?

Venous disease is largely seen as a cosmetic issue. However, it’s known to lead to potentially serious complications along with nasty side effects, if it isn’t treated. One condition that’s been linked to venous disease which you might not be aware of, is restless leg syndrome.

The condition causes an uncomfortable sensation within the legs during the night. This in turn makes it difficult to sleep. Here, we’ll look at the link between venous disease and restless leg syndrome and the treatment options available.

The link between venous disease and restless leg syndrome

Venous disease has been linked to restless leg syndrome, particularly varicose veins. It is thought the heaviness, discomfort and the pain caused by varicose veins can trigger restless leg syndrome.

However, it isn’t just varicose veins which can lead to the condition. Venous disease isn’t always visible. This can make it difficult to diagnose. In fact, venous disease is one of the most undiagnosed conditions in the UK. Therefore, it’s vital to understand the symptoms so you can ensure you receive the right treatment.

Understanding the symptoms of restless leg syndrome

If you’re suffering from restless leg syndrome, you’re likely to experience an extremely uncomfortable sensation, mainly in the legs. You’ll feel an urge to move the legs whenever you’re lying down or sitting still. This typically prevents you from relaxing and getting to sleep.

The symptoms of venous disease can be a little trickier to diagnose. Varicose and spider veins are the easiest symptom to identify. However, you may also notice skin changes, swelling, pain, and in rare cases, ulcers.

How can restless leg syndrome be treated?

If you think your restless leg syndrome may be caused by venous disease, it’s important to seek treatment as early as possible. You’ll first need to receive a proper diagnosis to establish the exact cause. If it is discovered the condition was triggered by venous disease, you will need to seek treatment from a specialist vein clinic.

There are a lot of different types of treatments available for venous disease. If you have varicose veins, you could need laser treatment, injections or even a glue-based treatment. The earlier you seek treatment, the less invasive the procedure will typically be.

Understanding the link between restless leg syndrome and venous disease is vital in its diagnosis. It also gives you the opportunity to treat venous disease before it develops into restless leg syndrome.