What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
When the urge to move the legs is uncontrollable, we may refer to this condition as restless leg syndrome. Usually, discomfort causes this desire to move to a more comfortable position. Also, the urge may strike during waking hours, but lying or sitting for extended periods is usually what causes this need for the position change.
Do You Have Signs of Restless Leg Syndrome?
The good news is that only about 10 percent of the population in our country develops this condition. Statistics indicate that women are more often affected, which makes sense when you look at the correlation between vein disease and restless legs. Some of the indicators that you may want to see a vein specialist include:
- You cannot resist the urge to move your legs due to sensations like tugging, pulling, or itchiness.
- Movement seems to decrease discomfort and minimize the urge to move the legs.
- On the contrary, sitting or lying down for more than a few minutes leads to uncomfortable sensations in the legs. Riding in a car or an airplane may exacerbate aching and itching in the legs.
- Periodic limb movements occur after you have finally been able to fall asleep. These may occur as often as every 30 seconds and may disrupt sleep if you are a light sleeper.
Getting Help for Restless Leg Syndrome
Research suggests that a large majority of cases of RLS coincide with vein disease. This can be a bit of good news for the person who is chronically fatigued due to poor sleep patterns caused by twitching, aching legs. Finding and closing veins that are no longer functioning can be a path to much greater comfort and an overall better quality of life.
For more information on the treatments available at LA Vein Center, call our Sherman Oaks office at (818) 325-0400.
