Did you know there is a link between varicose veins and restless legs? It isn’t uncommon for patients to suffer from both conditions at the same time. The question is, how are the conditions connected and will you always develop one alongside the other?

Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about varicose veins and restless legs.

What are varicose veins and Restless Leg Syndrome?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins. They largely occur in the legs and feet but can also develop in other areas of the body. They are noticeable through the skin and they can cause other symptoms such as aching, pain and uncomfortable feet, legs or ankles.

Restless legs are also referred to as Restless Leg Syndrome. It affects the nerves of the legs, causing them to twitch and move the legs, particularly at night. The condition can also cause symptoms such as aching, burning and swelling of the legs.

What is the link between these two conditions?

Varicose veins have been linked to restless legs. However, they don’t necessarily cause Restless Leg Syndrome. Instead, they can cause patients to move their legs more at night due to uncomfortable symptoms.

The symptoms of the two conditions can also be remarkably similar. For example, both can cause the legs to swell, ache and present a burning sensation. So, if you have both conditions, the symptoms could become unbearable.

What treatments are available?

The good news is there are treatments available. As varicose veins are typically the source of discomfort, it is a good idea to get them treated as quickly as possible. The earlier you seek treatment, the less invasive it is likely to be.

There are lots of varicose vein treatments available today and many of them are non-invasive. This means they are also quick to carry out. You won’t necessarily need any downtime depending upon the treatment.

If after treating your varicose veins you still have restless legs, you’ll need to seek treatment for that too. However, most of the time patients find that once they have treated the veins, their restless legs automatically reduce.

At the start of the year, nobody could have predicted that just three months in, we’d be facing a global pandemic. For the first time in our lifetime, we were forced into lockdown. Not only has the lockdown caused significant financial difficulties, but it’s also impacted our health too.

With non-essential treatments being halted, it has caused a lot of pain and misery for patients. This is especially true for those dealing with varicose veins. Not only that, but the lockdown has also increased the risk of developing the condition.

Here, we’ll look at why varicose veins are one of the hidden costs of lockdown and what you can do to ease them.

Why are varicose vein cases increasing in lockdown?

The main reason varicose veins are becoming more prominent during lockdown is mostly down to inactivity. Not only does sitting still for long periods increase the risk of developing varicose veins, but it also exasperates the condition in those who already have it.

The legs need regular circulation to remain healthy. If you’ve suddenly become more sedentary, it’s going to increase the pressure on the veins and reduce circulation. Another factor is that patients can’t seek treatment during a lockdown. So, the condition is left to worsen over time.

How can you ease symptoms?

If you are suffering from varicose vein symptoms, there are some things you can try to ease them. Until you can seek proper treatment, the following steps may help to reduce the symptoms:

• Keeping the legs working
• Wear compression stockings
• Keep the feet elevated
• Moisturise daily

It’s important to move around as much as you can during the day. Keep yourself busy with housework, gardening or by exercising outdoors. Wearing compression stockings can also help to maintain good circulation when you are sitting or standing for long periods.

You’ll also want to keep the legs elevated when you’re still. Ideally, keep them above hip level if you can. Then, finally, moisturising daily can also help to keep the legs in good condition. It retains elasticity and supports the cells walls, reducing the symptoms.

Our treatment facilities are currently due to reopen sometime in July. In the meantime, we have established a telemedicine clinic which enables Cornwall Vein Clinic to carry out your out-patient consultation by secure video link.

This means that you can have your varicose veins assessed without attending a hospital clinic so that you are in a position to have your treatment as soon as facilities are available. For more information, call 01872 308520 or email enquiries@cornwallveinclinic.com.

In response to the changes to daily routines that are now required as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Mr Woodburn is now offering remote telemedicine consultations at the Cornwall Vein Clinic. This will mean that patients can still see a specialist and discuss their condition and potential treatment options with them, without having to leave their home.

Find out more about our Telemedicine Measures and how we plan to keep you safe.

If you have any further questions, call us on 01872 308 520.

If you have been told you need to undergo varicose vein treatment, it’s common to wonder what the recovery process will involve. While your recovery will largely depend upon the procedure you undergo, the majority of treatments we offer at the Cornwall Vein Clinic offer a quick and painless recovery.

Here you’ll discover more about the recovery process after varicose vein treatment and what you can expect.

How long does it take to recover from varicose vein treatment?

The exact recovery time will depend upon the type of varicose vein treatment you have undergone. If you are having EVLA treatment, patients usually find they can return to work within approximately three days. If you are having the veins stripped, on the other hand, you can expect to experience issues with mobility for up to 28 days.

The less invasive the treatment, the shorter the recovery will be. You will be told what to expect in terms of recovery timeline when you attend your consultation.

Will I need pain relief?

After treatment, it’s common to experience a little pain and discomfort. Any bruising and swelling should resolve within one to two weeks. If you do experience pain and discomfort, you can take 400mg of Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours. Alternatively, you could take Tylenol, around 500mg every 12 hours.

If pain medication isn’t helping, you should contact the surgeon for assistance.

How long do I need to wait before I can exercise?

Typically, you won’t have to wait too long to return to normal activities. You’ll be able to start exercising within 7 to 10 days. Ideally, you should avoid lifting anything heavier than 20lbs until this period too. You can partake in a modified workout program, though it is best to consult the surgeon who will advise you on what exercises you can do, and when you can do them.

What can I expect from the recovery?

There are a few things you can expect to experience throughout the recovery. For example, you may feel a tight sensation along the treated vein. This will resolve itself over time and it is completely normal. You may also notice inflammation and tender, hardened knots in the treated area. Your surgeon will discuss the side effects and what to expect during your consultation.

One of the common misconceptions regarding varicose vein treatment is that it is painful, and recovery can be lengthy, but new techniques and developments in technology means it is now usually fast and relatively pain-free. Call us on 01872 308 520 to discuss your treatment options at the Cornwall Vein Clinic.

Varicose veins can be caused by a number of factors. Genetics, being female, old age and being overweight can all increase your risk of developing the condition. In some cases, excessive exercise has also been linked as a risk factor.

For those who enjoy weightlifting, there is some concern over whether it too can trigger varicose veins. So, can you get the condition through weightlifting? Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know.

Can varicose veins be caused by weightlifting?

While it’s a common belief that weightlifting causes varicose veins, this isn’t actually true. Instead, what happens is the veins often bulge out after a weightlifting session due to the strain placed upon them throughout the exercise.

The bulging you see in the veins after a workout is temporary. It occurs due to the fact that extra blood is pumped to the muscles during exercise. The veins in the body need gravity to pump the blood back to the heart. During exercise, it may take longer for the blood to be pumped back to the heart, causing a temporary build-up of blood in the veins. This is what causes them to bulge outwards.

So, weightlifting doesn’t tend to cause varicose veins, but this could change if you’re lifting weights that are too heavy.

The danger of lifting heavier weights

The only time weightlifting could link to the development of varicose veins is if you are lifting really heavy weights. This puts severe demand on the muscles, in turn putting extra demand onto the veins. The pressure within the venous system can also be increased due to heavier weights, which over time can weaken the vein walls.

However, varicose veins will still only typically develop in those predisposed to the condition. Provided you only lift weights you can handle, it shouldn’t lead to the development of varicose veins.

So, those bulging veins you notice after a workout aren’t varicose veins. They are temporary and will usually subside once the body is fully rested. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are permanent. They won’t go away, and they’ll worsen over time.

If you do suspect you have varicose veins, it’s important to get them treated. Book a consultation with a vein specialist to determine the cause and severity of the condition. This will help to determine the type of treatment required to clear them up.