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Many people realize that varicose veins can be unsightly, but did you know that they may also affect your sleep? If you suffer from varicose veins in Houston and have been diagnosed with restless legs syndrome (RLS), then continue reading to learn about the link between these 2 conditions.

Varicose Veins and RLS Can Be Related

For some individuals, varicose veins are merely an aesthetic issue. For others, these veins cause symptoms like throbbing, itching, cramping, or achy, heavy, and painful feeling legs. If you have been diagnosed with RLS, then you may see that many of the symptoms of this condition overlap with those of having varicose veins.

RLS Can Have Secondary Causes

For most people, RLS is considered primary RLS, meaning that the cause is unknown. However, RLS can sometimes be the result of an underlying medical condition, which is referred to as secondary RLS. Some examples of these underlying conditions include varicose veins or venous insufficiency, pregnancy, kidney failure, and iron deficiency. When diagnosing you with RLS, your doctor should evaluate your body for the presence of varicose veins to determine if they may be part of the problem.

Addressing Varicose Veins May Relieve RLS Symptoms

If varicose veins or venous insufficiency are an underlying cause of your RLS, then seeing a vein specialist for treatment may provide you with some relief from your symptoms. In fact, research has demonstrated that most RLS patients who are treated with sclerotherapy for their varicose veins experience relief from their RLS symptoms. However, because varicose veins tend to recur, addressing your risk factors for varicose veins may be helpful in easing your RLS symptoms long-term.

There Are Several Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and endovenous ablation procedures are some examples of treatments for varicose veins. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical into the vein that causes it to shrink and disappear. Endovenous procedures close the vein from the inside with the use of a catheter.