Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs,
especially at night. While it can have multiple causes, vein disease is a common but often overlooked contributor to RLS symptoms.
If you experience tingling, aching, or an irresistible need to move your legs, it’s time to explore whether vein issues could be the underlying cause.
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
- Uncomfortable leg sensations – Tingling, crawling, throbbing, or itching
- Strong urge to move legs – Usually worse in the evening or at rest
- Symptoms improve with movement – Walking or stretching offers temporary relief
- Nighttime discomfort – Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to leg restlessness
- Involuntary leg jerking – Especially during sleep
Many people with RLS also suffer from varicose veins or
chronic venous insufficiency (CVI),
where poor circulation leads to leg discomfort.
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What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) can develop from a variety of underlying issues. While it’s often thought of as a neurological condition, poor circulation caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is one of the most common and treatable contributors.
- Poor Circulation (Venous Insufficiency): When the veins struggle to return blood to the heart, blood can pool in the legs, leading to pressure, discomfort, and tingling sensations that mimic RLS symptoms.
- Iron Deficiency: Low iron levels can affect dopamine function in the brain, which plays a role in leg movement and sleep regulation.
- Nerve Disorders: Conditions like peripheral neuropathy may contribute to restlessness and sensations in the legs.
- Medications & Lifestyle Factors: Certain medications, caffeine, and stress can worsen RLS symptoms or make them more frequent.
The good news: vein disease is a treatable cause of Restless Leg Syndrome. If you have varicose veins, swelling, or other signs of poor circulation, our specialists can evaluate your vein health and recommend minimally invasive treatment options that may significantly reduce or even eliminate your RLS symptoms.
Is Your Restless Leg Syndrome Caused by Vein Issues?
If you notice Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms along with any of the following signs of vein disease, your veins may be the underlying cause:
- Visible varicose veins: Bulging, twisted veins in the legs
- Leg swelling & heaviness: Especially toward the end of the day
- Aching, throbbing, or burning pain: Worsens with prolonged standing or sitting
- Skin changes: Darkening or irritation near affected veins
Take the Next Step
Try a Simple At-Home Test: Elevate your legs for 15 minutes. If your symptoms improve, it may indicate that vein issues are contributing to your RLS.
Schedule a Vein Screening: Our specialists can assess your circulation with a quick, non-invasive ultrasound and recommend personalized treatment options.
Treatment Options for RLS Related to Vein Disease
If vein disease is contributing to your Restless Leg Syndrome, treating the underlying circulation issue can drastically improve your symptoms, comfort, and quality of sleep. Our specialists offer several minimally invasive treatment options performed right in our clinics.
- Compression Therapy: Helps improve circulation and reduce discomfort.
- Sclerotherapy: A quick, minimally invasive injection that closes small varicose veins.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses controlled heat to close larger diseased veins and restore healthy blood flow.
- Varithena: A specialized microfoam treatment that safely seals diseased veins.
- VenaSeal: A medical-grade adhesive that gently seals the affected veins without heat or anesthesia.
Many patients experience significant relief from Restless Leg Syndrome after addressing underlying vein disease through one or more of these treatments.
When to See a UVVC Vein Specialist
It’s time to schedule a professional vein evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- ⚠️ Your RLS symptoms disrupt your sleep or daily life.
- ⚠️ You have visible varicose veins or persistent leg swelling.
- ⚠️ Your symptoms worsen over time or don’t improve with lifestyle changes.
- ⚠️ You notice pain, skin changes, or non-healing leg ulcers.
A vein screening at United Vein & Vascular Centers can determine whether poor circulation is contributing to your Restless Leg Syndrome and provide a customized treatment plan for relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Poor circulation from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can lead to leg discomfort, tingling, or aching that triggers the urge to move your legs—especially at night. When vein disease is treated, many patients experience significant relief from RLS symptoms.
In many cases, yes. Minimally invasive vein treatments—such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Varithena—can improve blood flow and reduce the heaviness, throbbing, or discomfort that often contributes to Restless Leg Syndrome.
If your RLS symptoms appear alongside leg swelling, visible varicose veins, or discomfort that improves when you elevate your legs, vein issues may be the cause. A quick, noninvasive ultrasound performed by a UVVC vein specialist can confirm whether poor circulation is contributing to your symptoms.
RLS itself isn’t life-threatening, but if it’s related to underlying vein disease, ignoring it could allow circulation problems to worsen over time. Treating vein issues early can prevent progression and restore comfort and better sleep quality.
No. Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes the urge to move your legs, while varicose veins are a vascular issue caused by faulty valves in the veins. However, the two conditions often overlap—varicose veins can trigger symptoms that feel like RLS.
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