If you’re ready to see a doctor due to restless leg syndrome (RLS), here’s something you need to know: About one-third of patients with RLS have chronic venous insufficiency. If that’s the cause of your restless legs, you need to see Michael Kassouf, MD, and the team at Vein Doc NYC in the Midtown East area of New York City. As nationally recognized experts in venous insufficiency, you can count on receiving the best treatments for venous insufficiency and subsequently, for your RLS. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature.
Restless Leg Syndrome
What is restless leg syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move your legs in order to stop unpleasant sensations that feel like itching, crawling, tingling, and pulling. The need to move your legs begins when you sit for an extended time, such as during a car trip, and when you lay down to rest, where it typically occurs throughout the night.
What causes restless leg syndrome?
Your risk of developing RLS is higher if the condition runs in your family. Studies on RLS are ongoing, but the experts have nailed down several possible causes:
- Imbalance in the neurotransmitter dopamine, which regulates muscle movement
- Iron deficiency, because iron is needed to produce dopamine
- Underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Certain medications, such as antipsychotics, antihistamines, and calcium channel blockers
Many women develop RLS during pregnancy. It may go away after delivery or persist for years.
What should I know about RLS and chronic venous insufficiency?
Restless leg syndrome is a symptom of an underlying vein problem called chronic venous insufficiency. A blood clot may cause chronic venous insufficiency. However, it most often occurs when weak valves in your leg veins can’t maintain normal blood flow.
One-way valves in your veins prevent blood from flowing backward. When the veins stop working, blood goes down your leg and accumulates in the vein. Chronic venous insufficiency leads to varicose veins and venous stasis ulcers.
How is restless leg syndrome treated?
The standard treatments for RLS from Vein Doc NYC include:
- Devices that apply pressure to your feet or deliver vibrations to your legs
- Iron supplements to treat a deficiency and boost dopamine production
- Anti-seizure drugs that relieve symptoms
- Dopaminergic agents that increase levels of dopamine
- Treating any underlying conditions contributing to RLS
- Replacing medications that may cause RLS
Before you start these treatments, however, you need to schedule an examination at Vein Doc NYC to determine if chronic venous insufficiency is present. Restless leg symptoms that chronic venous insufficiency cause should stop once the problem receives treatment.
If you suffer from uncomfortable restless leg syndrome symptoms, call Vein Doc NYC or schedule an appointment online.