Louisiana Heart & Vascular Institute Vein Care Centers
Restless leg syndrome causes unpleasant sensations in your legs that make you want to continuously move them. Interventional cardiologist Farhad Aduli, MD, FACC, of Louisiana Heart & Vascular Institute Vein Care Centers in Covington, Louisiana can evaluate your symptoms and determine if restless leg syndrome indicates an underlying venous condition. Call today to make an appointment or use the online tool to schedule.
Restless legs syndrome describes an overwhelming urge to move your legs, especially when you’re resting, watching a movie, taking a long drive, or trying to sleep.
Sometimes, it feels like the sensations are coming from deep inside your legs. The condition can be related to diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, nutrient deficiency, an autoimmune condition, or venous problems.
Restless leg symptoms vary from person to person. People describe sensations of the restless leg as:
You don’t get numbness or cramping with restless legs. You simply feel like you absolutely must move them to get relief from the uncomfortable sensations.
Venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in your legs don’t work like they should. Instead of pushing blood back up to your heart, the valves allow blood to flow back and pool in your legs. The condition often causes unattractive and uncomfortable spider and varicose veins.
The vein disease makes the soft tissue in your legs inflamed and irritated. It can cause uncomfortable itching and aches, sometimes associated with restless leg syndrome.
Sometimes restless leg syndrome has another cause, but venous insufficiency aggravates it. Treatment can help alleviate symptoms enough that you find some relief from the uncontrollable urge to move.
If another cause of your restless legs is suspected, you may be referred for blood tests and a possible neurological exam.
The providers at Louisiana Heart & Vascular Institute Vein Care Centers can determine via ultrasound if you have venous insufficiency resulting in restless leg syndrome. Treatments may include conservative therapies such as lifestyle modifications (such as weight loss) and the wearing of medical-grade compression stockings.
You may also benefit from sclerotherapy, which involves injections into small faulty veins to destroy them, or endovenous laser therapy to destroy offending varicose veins.
If you’re suffering symptoms of restless leg syndrome, contact Louisiana Heart & Vascular Institute Vein Care Centers today for an appointment. Call the office or use the online tool to schedule.