Your legs are itchy. It could be just dry skin or an allergy, but it could also be something more problematic. Is leg itching normal? Not if it’s the result of underlying vein disease. Read on to learn more.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is just what it sounds like. The condition, which is actually a sleep disorder, causes a compulsive urge to move your legs (or other parts of your body) when you try to sleep. And RLS can come along with other unpleasant physical sensations, such as itching, aching, burning, or the feeling that your skin is crawling.
Because RLS tends to be most severe when you’re in bed or sitting for extended periods, it becomes difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, and feel refreshed in the morning.
At Dallas Vein Institute, interventional radiologist Dr. Dev Batra diagnoses and treats restless legs syndrome in his Dallas and Hurst, Texas, offices. He provides effective medical treatments so you can get a good night’s sleep. But he also wants you to know that you can make lifestyle adjustments to help you cope with RLS.
Genetics probably plays a significant role in causing RLS, as up to 92% of people who experience it have a first-degree relation who also has RLS. What’s more, those people with the link generally develop symptoms at a younger age than those without it.
Several medical conditions are also associated with RLS, including:
In addition, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can increase the risk of developing or worsening RLS, as can antidepressants, allergy drugs, and anti-nausea medications.
What’s even more interesting, though, is that many people with vein disease also develop restless legs syndrome. Fortunately, studies show RLS can be effectively treated with therapies designed for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a circulatory system condition that results in insufficient blood flow to the extremities. That may be because vein disease inflames the nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues in your legs, producing uncomfortable sensations.
That’s why, when you come into Dallas Vein Institute for an evaluation, Dr. Batra looks for signs of vein disease using vascular ultrasound to check for indications of CVI, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or other vascular health problems.
We always start with conservative, drug-free treatments, especially if your symptoms are mild. Try the following:
If you have iron-deficient anemia, iron supplementation may also help.
As we’ve already mentioned, treating underlying vein disease, such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis, may have a positive effect on RLS symptoms. A National Sleep Foundation study found that 98% of patients who received treatment for vein issues also noticed a decrease in RLS symptoms.
At Dallas Vein Institute, some vein treatments we offer include:
If your legs won’t stay still despite your best efforts to fall asleep, there’s hope. Contact Dallas Vein Institute for a restless legs syndrome evaluation by calling us at 972-646-8346 or book online with us today.
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