Restless Legs – Causes & Treatments – Auckland NZ

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common nervous system condition that causes discomfort and an insatiable urge to move the legs. It affects up to 10% of the population and is also considered to be a sleep disorder because restless legs often occur at night or while at rest.

A leading cause of restless leg syndrome is venous insufficiency, which is the same condition that causes varicose veins.

Venous insufficiency is a vein condition where the valves in the veins are unable to pump blood through the legs as they should. This causes blood to pool in the legs which in turn causes healthy veins to become varicose veins, and restless legs symptoms to occur.

It is proven that treating varicose veins provides relief for restless leg symptoms.

Restless leg syndrome is also associated with a range of health conditions:

• Iron deficiency
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Diabetes
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Kidney failure

Restless leg symptoms can vary in severity from day to day. Some days they might be significant and cause sleep disturbances while other days there will be no restless leg symptoms at all. Common RLS symptoms include:

• Uncomfortable sensations in the legs that are only relieved by movement
• An overwhelming urge to move the legs
• Pins and needles in the legs and feet
• Throbbing, heavy or aching legs
• Itchiness or an unpleasant crawling feeling in the legs and feet
• Swelling of the lower legs, feet or ankles
• Symptoms feel worse when lying down or at rest
• Restless legs are also associated with involuntary jerking of the legs or arms, known as periodic limb movements (PLM)

In severe cases of restless leg syndrome, additional concerns may arise such as problems with mood or memory, anxiety and depression due to lack of quality sleep.

Of those who experience restless leg syndrome, about 2-3% have symptoms that are significant enough to affect their quality of life. Common restless leg risk factors have been identified:

• RLS is twice as common in women than in men.
• Around 1 in 5 pregnant women experience restless legs in their third trimester. Restless legs in pregnancy usually resolves after birth.
• Most people who experience severe restless leg symptoms are middle-aged or older.
• There is a genetic link with almost 50% of people who experience restless legs having a family member that also has restless legs.
• Restless leg syndrome is relatively rare in children with roughly 2% of school-age children experiencing it.

Restless leg syndrome can be relieved by treating the underlying cause – varicose veins. At Palm Clinic we offer leading varicose vein treatments at our clinic in Auckland, NZ. All our treatments are non-surgical walk-in, walk-out procedures that don’t require any down time from work in most cases.

Research has proven that the most effective treatment for varicose veins is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). This is a non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency heat to seal off the faulty varicose vein. Over time the vein breaks down and is absorbed into the body.

Where RFA isn’t appropriate, the recommended second line treatment for varicose veins is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS). During this treatment a solution is injected into the varicose vein causing it to close off, break down and be absorbed by the body over time.

In mild cases of restless leg where treatment may not be needed, symptoms can be relieved by initiating lifestyle changes such as:

• Regular exercise
• Attaining a healthy body weight
• Elevating the legs to support blood flow
• Wearing compression stockings
• Leg massages
• Use of hot baths and ice packs
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine

If you are concerned about restless leg syndrome or would like more information, please contact our reception team on 09 522 8128 or reception@palmclinic.co.nz