The Connection Between Vein Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome

Vein disease is something that affects millions of Americans each year. By the age of 50, nearly 40 percent of women and 20 percent of men have developed significant vein disorders.

Chicago Vein Institute wants to diagnose and treat your vein disorder, help alleviate your restless legs syndrome and improve your quality of life through effective treatment.

What is restless legs syndrome and how does it relate to vein disease?

Have you ever been lying in bed with an uncontrollable urge to move your legs around to relieve your feelings of discomfort? If this happens to you on a regular basis, you may have Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS. RLS can cause sensations of burning, itching and tingling in the legs and can be especially bothersome while trying to fall asleep.

Approximately 22 percent of patients with RLS also suffer from vein disease. Restless Legs Syndrome occurs primarily in the legs, and when you compare its symptoms with varicose veins and venous insufficiency, you’ll notice they’re almost identical. In fact, chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins can actually cause RLS. Because these two conditions are so closely related, people who visit their doctor for symptoms of RLS are also examined for venous insufficiency. More often than not, people who suffer from RLS have an underlying venous condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated.

Signs and symptoms of vein disease and RLS

Leg symptoms for vein disease and RLS are often quite similar. These include:

• Aches or pain
• Muscle cramping
• Itchiness
• Swelling or throbbing

Vein disorders can be painful and cause disruptive secondary conditions like Restless Legs Syndrome, but there are ways to alleviate your discomfort. Learn more about the services we offer by calling our North Center location at 773-231-9884 or our Downtown Chicago location at 312-234-0750