Signs of Restless Syndrome | USA Vein Clinics

1. Signs Of Restless Leg Syndrome

3. 1. Urge To Move/Sensation RLS causes discomfort in your lower limbs accompanied by an irresistible urge to move. The classic RLS leg sensations have been defined as pulling, itching, creeping, throbbing, and crawling, although some people — particularly children — find it hard to put into words. The sensations can be uncomfortable or irritating to downright painful. Sometimes the arms are affected, and in rare cases, the chest and head may be involved as well, although most of the symptoms are confined to the legs. Normally, both sides of the body are affected, but symptoms can show up on only one side and may also switch sides. Symptoms tend to decrease with movement and worsen when the sufferer is trying to be still.

4. 2. Symptoms Worsen At Night Usually, people with RLS experience a symptom-free period early in the day, with symptom onset occurring late afternoon to evening time. Night-time symptoms can get worse if sleep is disrupted over a period of time or after a period of stress. 3. Inability To Sleep Well And Sleepiness During The Day Because RLS sufferers feel the need to be constantly in motion, they can find it very hard to get restful sleep. This causes sleeplessness or poor-quality sleep, which can translate into daytime drowsiness, lack of concentration, irritability, moodiness, and problems at work and with personal relationships.

5. 4. Spontaneous Jerking Or Twitching Of Limbs Around90 percent of people with RLS experience a condition called periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS)With PLMS, legs and arms can twitch or jerk during sleep, typically a few times every minute. This can continue throughout the night or ease off after a short period of time. Not everyone with PLMS has RLS, even though many RLS sufferers also experience PLMS.

6. What to Do When You Have Restless Legs The first thing you should do when you think you’re having signs of restless leg syndrome is to seek a medical evaluation. A doctor will take a look at your medical history to make sure there isn’t another medical or psychological reason for your symptoms. Then, he or she will evaluate your case according to four criteria, specifically dealing with pain and urge to move the legs that: • Are accompanied by unpleasant or abnormal sensations • Begins or worsens during rest • Can be partially or totally relieved by movement • Begins or worsens in the evening

7. Treatment Options for Restless Leg Syndrome Everyone wants to know how to stop restless leg syndrome immediately, but this is usually not possible. RLS is considered a lifelong disorder, but much can be done to minimize its impact on your daily life. Your doctor will determine if there’s an underlying medical condition that’s causing or worsening your symptoms and begin with treating that. Although there are some drugs that can treat associated conditions, there is not a single drug that’s useful for all cases. You and your doctor will need to work together to find the right combination of drugs and therapy to manage your individual case. In addition, there will need to be ongoing case management as symptoms wax or wane and if drugs become ineffective over time.

8. Options for treatment of RLS include the following: Lifestyle Management One of the simplest and least invasive ways to handle mild to moderate RLS symptoms is to make changes to your lifestyle. You should avoid or decrease the use of stimulants like tobacco and alcohol and develop a moderate exercise program that includes aerobic exercise and stretching. In addition, regular leg massages, warms baths, and the use of ice or heat on the legs before bed can go a long way toward minimizing symptoms. Several medical devices have recently received clearance by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for people experiencing RLS symptoms. These include a foot wrap that applies pressure to the underside of the foot and a vibrating pad that applies sensation to the back of the legs.

9. Endovenous Laser Therapy Endovenouslaser therapy, sometimes also know as ablation is for relieving RLS symptoms. Studies show that superficial venous insufficiency (SVI) is often a cause of tired, achy, restless legs. Venous insufficiency occurs when blood is not flowing correctly through the leg veins. This can be due to varicosity or other factors.A procedure called endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) has been shown to relieve symptoms in people with moderate to severe RLS that also have venous insufficiency.

10. Iron Supplementation Some people with RLS present with low levels of ferritin and transferrin saturation in their blood. If this is you, you can take over-the-counter iron supplements to see if that helps. If you experience nausea with the supplements, try switching brands or taking the pills with a bit of food. In the case that your iron levels don’t return to normal after supplementation, you may be one of the many people who may need supplementation through an IV drip at your doctor’s office for maximum absorption.

11. Prognosis for People with Signs and Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome If you have RLS and also think you might suffer from venous insufficiency, relief can be just an appointment away.Our vein specialists will get to the bottom of your vein issue. They will work to provide you a simple, easy way to relieve the signs of RLS related to damaged veins. We offer endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) as an in-office procedure. It normally takes around an hour and most people recover just a few hours later.

12. Your doctor will relocate the trouble spots using ultrasonography. Then, using a very small incision, insert a cannula into the appropriate vein. Over time, this vein will reabsorb into your body. Then, other healthy veins will take over the job of providing circulation. Best of all, you’ll be able to walk out of the office right after the procedure, with practically no down-time. Why suffer when you can manage your RLS symptoms with a drug-free, safe and effective solution? With a team of highly-skilled physicians and a high success rate, you can have peace of mind that you are  in the best hands. Give us a call at 888.768.3467