Do you ever feel a strong urge to move your legs at night, accompanied by strange crawling, itching, or throbbing sensations? If so, you might be dealing with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)—a condition that affects millions of Americans, often disrupting sleep and diminishing quality of life.
While RLS is commonly associated with neurological disorders or iron deficiencies, there’s another potential culprit that’s often overlooked: vein disease.
Let’s take a closer look at RLS, what causes it, and how vein treatment may be the key to finding lasting relief.
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs, leading to an uncontrollable urge to move them. These sensations typically occur when a person is resting—sitting, relaxing, or lying in bed—and they tend to worsen at night.
Because movement offers temporary relief, individuals with RLS often find themselves constantly shifting, walking, or stretching their legs—making it incredibly difficult to relax or fall asleep. Over time, this can result in chronic sleep deprivation, irritability, fatigue, and even symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Common Symptoms of RLS
The symptoms of restless leg syndrome can vary from person to person, but many patients describe it as:
- Crawling or tingling under the skin
- Itching or prickling deep in the legs
- Burning or “hot” sensations
- Throbbing or pulsing feelings
- Aching or general discomfort
- Pulling, tightening, or cramping
These sensations usually occur in both legs, though one side may feel worse than the other. And while arms can also be affected, the legs are the most common area of concern.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?
Although the exact cause of RLS isn’t always clear, research suggests that it may be linked to how the brain processes dopamine, a chemical that helps control muscle movement. When dopamine levels are disrupted, the brain may struggle to regulate the impulses that trigger motion—leading to the involuntary movements seen in RLS.
Contributing Factors May Include:
- Iron deficiency: Low levels of iron in the brain can disrupt dopamine production.
- Genetics: RLS often runs in families, particularly in cases where symptoms begin before age 40.
- Neurological conditions: Diseases like Parkinson’s may increase the risk of RLS.
- Medications: Certain antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotic drugs may trigger or worsen symptoms.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can intensify RLS, especially in the third trimester.
- Chronic conditions: Kidney disease, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy are all associated with higher rates of RLS.
But here’s what many people don’t realize: RLS may also be tied to vein disease, including varicose veins. In fact, many of the symptoms overlap—making it crucial to explore all potential causes, especially if you’ve noticed visible changes in your leg veins.
RLS and Varicose Veins: A Surprising Link
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that develop when blood doesn’t flow properly back to the heart. Instead, it pools in the legs, increasing pressure in the veins and causing discomfort—particularly during long periods of sitting or standing.
Shared Symptoms Between RLS and Varicose Veins
Some common symptoms include:
- Aching or heaviness in the legs
- Burning or throbbing sensations
- Itching around the veins
- Leg cramps or restlessness at night
It’s easy to mistake one condition for the other. In fact, many of our patients have come to us with RLS symptoms, only to find that treating their vein disease significantly reduced or eliminated their leg discomfort.
By identifying and treating varicose veins, you may be able to ease the sensations associated with RLS—no dopamine medication or sleep aid required.
Treatment Options for RLS Related to Vein Disease
At United Vein & Vascular Centers, we begin with a thorough consultation to determine whether your symptoms are rooted in vein issues. If so, our minimally invasive, in-office treatments can improve blood flow and reduce the pressure in your legs, helping to alleviate both vein disease and RLS symptoms.
Some treatment options include:
Phlebectomy
This aesthetic outpatient procedure removes damaged veins through tiny punctures in the skin. It’s minimally invasive, requires no stitches, and offers a fast recovery time. Patients often experience immediate symptom relief.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to close off faulty veins. A catheter is inserted into the targeted vein, which is gently sealed shut—redirecting blood to healthy veins and improving circulation.
Sclerotherapy
A tried-and-true method, sclerotherapy involves injecting a specialized solution into the affected vein. This causes the vein to collapse and gradually fade from view while reducing symptoms like itching and burning.
VenaSeal
Using a medical adhesive, VenaSeal is a modern, heat-free method to close damaged veins. It’s FDA-approved, quick, and effective—especially for those looking for a gentler alternative to thermal-based treatments.
Why Choose United Vein & Vascular Centers?
With more than 45 clinics across the country, UVVC is proud to be a leader in vein and vascular care. We offer comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans for patients struggling with leg discomfort—whether it’s caused by RLS, varicose veins, or both.
Our clinics are:
- Board-certified and highly trained
- Equipped with cutting-edge, non-surgical technology
- Focused on compassionate, patient-centered care
- Conveniently located in Arizona, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and beyond
Request a Consultation Today
If your restless legs are keeping you up at night, there’s no need to suffer in silence. The solution might be simpler—and more effective—than you think. Let the experts at United Vein & Vascular Centers evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief. Your legs (and your sleep) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stretching, massaging your legs, applying warm or cool packs, and maintaining a regular sleep routine can help calm restless legs. In some cases, treating underlying issues like vein disease can also provide relief.
Try to limit caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods high in sugar or sodium, as they may worsen RLS symptoms. A balanced diet rich in iron and magnesium may help reduce discomfort.
Yes, gentle walking or regular physical activity can help relieve RLS symptoms by improving circulation and reducing the urge to move your legs at rest.
