Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS, can be debilitating for those who suffer from it. While someone may be free from leg issues during the day, their legs can become sore or fidgety at night. This makes falling asleep and staying asleep difficult.

Varicose veins can cause a host of similar symptoms. Comparable to RLS, varicose veins can make one’s legs ache and throb and, in some situations, create the feeling that one needs to move their legs.

Because these symptoms are so similar, many wonder if varicose veins are responsible for RLS. 

The answer to this question is a bit complicated. While varicose veins are not considered a direct cause for RLS, they can contribute to RLS symptoms in some people. Making matters worse, the two conditions can occur at the same time, creating a wide array of problems for those who suffer from both.

We are practicing vein specialists in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. Over the years, many patients have asked whether their RLS symptoms are caused, or exacerbated, by varicose veins. Here’s what patients with RLS and varicose veins should know.

What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?

RLS is a neurological condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. These sensations tend to start or get worse when one sits or lies down.

While this condition can be temporarily improved by walking, stretching, or moving one’s legs, people with RLS find that this is not a long-term solution. Instead, they often spend nights — the time when RLS tends to flare up — unable to sleep, owing to their legs’ apparent need to continuously move.

Descriptions of RLS vary from patient to patient. For some, the feeling manifests in physical pains and aches. For others, it’s simply a feeling that one needs to move their legs, with no apparent physiological source for the feeling.

On that note, RLS does not always have an identifiable cause. That said, some studies have linked RLS to iron deficiency, pregnancy, kidney disease, certain medications, or a family history of the condition.

How Varicose Veins Affect the Legs

Varicose veins occur when valves within the leg veins break or simply work inefficiently. When working as expected, valves help move blood up toward the heart. When these valves weaken, blood begins to flow backward. If this happens, blood can pool in the veins — resulting in the thick, visible veins that one might find on their legs. 

For some, varicose veins are solely a cosmetic concern. However, others report a variety of side effects from varicose veins. This can include aches, leg heaviness, swelling, itching, skin discoloration, and more.

People with varicose veins may find that these side effects improve while wearing compression stockings, or simply while elevating their legs. However, these efforts do not resolve varicose vein issues in the long-term.

Given the similarity between these symptoms, it’s easy to see why one may confuse varicose vein symptoms for RLS and vice versa.

Is It Varicose Veins or RLS?

If you’re concerned that you may have either varicose veins or RLS, there are a few things you can look for in order to determine the source of your issue.

To start, varicose veins often manifest visibly — as in, when you have varicose veins, you can typically see them on your skin. They appear as thick, blue-red streaks along the legs. While varicose veins can bulge from the skin, they can also lie flat. 

If you think you may have varicose veins, and that they may be the cause of your leg restlessness, it’s a good idea to look for other varicose vein symptoms. For example, if your discomfort gets worse after long periods of standing or sitting, you may have a vein issue. Similarly, if you find that your leg discomfort gets better after elevating your legs, varicose veins may be the culprit.

True RLS, in contrast, is especially likely when the discomfort begins during rest, is accompanied by a strong urge to move, improves quickly with movement, and is consistently worse at night.

Should I See a Vein Specialist?

If you believe your leg restlessness is caused by varicose veins — or if you simply have more questions about your leg health — it’s a good idea to reach out to a vein specialist. 

Treating varicose veins is quick and easy. Procedures are short, and many patients are able to return to work or their normal activities on the same day. Plus, many of those who have treated their varicose veins report that the negative symptoms associated with varicose veins dropped significantly in severity after treatment.

If you’re interested in pursuing vein treatment, or if you’d just like to learn more, reach out today to schedule a consultation.