Restless legs and varicose veins are two common conditions affecting millions of people every year worldwide. Nearly 30 % of the adult population suffers from varicose veins. Varicose veins are twisted or bulged veins that occur most commonly in the legs, the ankles and feet. Issues with blood flow and blood pooling up in veins lead to this condition. Restless leg syndrome or RLS is a neurological condition where the individual suffers from an uncontrollable urge to move their legs especially at night. This condition interferes with the sleep cycle and often leads to insomnia.
Though both these conditions may seem unrelated, research studies have shown that individuals suffering from varicose veins may also experience restless legs and vice versa. So how and why are restless legs and varicose veins associated with each other? This article demystifies the connection between both conditions, causes, symptoms and treatment options.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins, also known as twisted and bulged veins, happen due to swelling of veins. Veins carry blood from various parts of the body back to the heart for filtration. These blood vessels often have to work against gravity to transport blood, especially from the lower body parts like legs and feet.
Sometimes, the valves or inner walls of veins may get affected. This results in blood accumulating in the blood vessel instead of going back to the heart. The accumulated blood causes the vein to swell, resulting in pain, inflammation, heaviness and discomfort.
The blood may also escape to the surrounding tissues, causing the skin to change in color and appearance, rashes and irritation may occur, causing the individual discomfort and pain.
Varicose veins are more prevalent in women than in men. Older population is also at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Genetic predisposition, obesity, hormonal changes and a sedentary lifestyle are some of the factors that increase chances of developing varicose veins. Diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and medical intervention when needed help deal with varicose veins and associated symptoms.
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome or RLS is a common neurological condition that creates a strong urge to move the legs, especially at nights, triggered by discomfort in the legs. Moving legs can provide some relief, which is only temporary.
Sitting or lying down can trigger the feeling of discomfort. Itching, crawling, and tingling sensation in the legs is also common for those suffering from this condition.
RLS can begin at any age and usually worsens with age. The most common causes include iron deficiency, pregnancy, neurological disorders and poor blood circulation.
How Are Restless Legs Related to Varicose Veins?
Restless legs and varicose veins find similarity in that both arise from poor blood circulation. Both conditions cause individuals to experience discomfort, especially at night.
Impaired blood flow to the legs due to the presence of varicose veins can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, numbness, discomfort, heaviness, all of which can lead to the individual experiencing restless legs.
Varicose veins are a type of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins are unable to pump blood back to the heart due to damaged vein walls or valves. Blood pools up in the legs, triggering nerve irritation leading to RLS.
Current and previous research studies establish a strong connection between restless leg syndrome and varicose veins. Studies indicate that individuals experiencing restless legs may be suffering from varicose veins.
Varicose veins and RLS share certain symptoms and risk factors. Here is how both the conditions overlap.
Hormonal Factors
Changes in hormone levels, especially during pregnancy, can trigger both varicose veins and RLS.
During pregnancy, changing hormones and the expanding uterus put pressure on the surrounding areas. Increased progesterone levels, which may weaken vein valves along with increased blood volume, may increase the risk of developing varicose veins during pregnancy. Nearly 40% of pregnant women may develop venous insufficiency.
Rising estrogen levels during pregnancy may trigger RLS. In addition, some women may develop iron deficiency anaemia, which may trigger restless legs. Nearly one-third of pregnant women may experience RLS.
Genetics
Genetics plays an important role in inheriting both varicose veins and restless legs. Having a person in the family suffering from venous insufficiency or RLS can increase an individual’s chances of developing the condition.
Obesity
Being obese is associated with higher risks of contracting both varicose veins and RLS. Obesity puts extra pressure on the blood vessels on the lower part of the body. This increased pressure stresses the vein and may damage the valves, resulting in blood pooling up. Blood accumulation ultimately hampers blood circulation, which leads to venous insufficiency.
Being obese also increases the chances of developing restless legs. Obese people may have lower levels of dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. These receptors act as control centres for movement. Lower levels of D2 are associated with lower movement control, which may lead to restless legs.
Sleep disturbances and metabolic disorders such as diabetes may also contribute to obesity and restless leg syndrome.
Venous Diseases
Venous diseases such as insufficiency can contribute to RLS and varicose veins. Venous insufficiency means that the veins are unable to pump blood back to the heart as expected. This results in blood accumulating in the veins causing varicose veins.
Venous insufficiency causes issues with blood flow, resulting in poor blood circulation and causes symptoms such as discomfort and heaviness in the legs. This results in the individual developing varicose veins.
Additional factors responsible for varicose veins and restless legs include
- Poor blood circulation
- Reduced functioning of endothelial cells or cells lining the inner wall of the veins
- Damage to the blood vessels
- Iron deficiency or anaemia.
Can Treating Restless Legs Help Treat Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins and RLS are interrelated conditions and share root causes and some symptoms. Both the conditions involve poor blood circulation, inflammation and the functioning of nerves in the legs.
Hence, treating one condition may help the other and vice versa. A 100% cure may not be possible, especially in the case of varicose veins. Treatment and results may depend on the underlying cause.
Can Treating RLS Help Varicose Veins?
Yes, treating RLS may help provide relief from varicose veins and its symptoms. Though there may not be any direction on the progress of venous insufficiency, individuals suffering may experience relief from symptoms such as restlessness in the legs and disturbed sleep.
Better sleep may help relieve some symptoms of varicose veins as the rest allows some time for repair of the affected parts.
Treating RLS may include
- Exercises and stretching that help improve blood circulation and movement.
- Compression and massages to improve blood flow
- Nutritional supplements to correct deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, that may be causing restless legs.
- Medications such as dopamine suppressors and muscle relaxants
How Can Treating Varicose Veins Help RLS?
If varicose veins are the underlying cause of RLS, then treating varicose veins may provide relief from restless legs.
Here are some ways to treat varicose veins
- Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
- Basic exercises under doctor’s guidance
- Weight management
- Leg elevation
- Compression stockings
- Medical interventions based on medical diagnosis such as radiofrequency ablation or vein stripping (severe cases)
In cases where restless legs and varicose veins are interlinked, treating one condition may relieve the other conditions, either completely or partially.
The good news is that lifestyle changes and home remedies can be greatly helpful in resolving both conditions and associated symptoms.
Common Home Remedies For Varicose Veins And Restless Legs
The underlying causes for varicose veins and restless legs often overlap with poor blood circulation, inflammation, obesity and poor dietary choices topping the list.
Exercises
Basic exercises such as walking and mild jogging help improve movement and blood circulation to the legs. High intensity exercises may intensify varicose veins and must be avoided unless suggested otherwise by the doctor.
Adding some simple exercises to the everyday routine helps move the muscles, which, in turn, ensure proper blood circulation in the legs. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins and RLS.
Dietary Modifications
A balanced diet rich in nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and anti-inflammatory foods helps improve blood circulation, reduces inflammation and improves metabolism.
All these factors can help alleviate the symptoms associated with varicose veins and restless legs.
Hydration
Hydration is the key to improved blood circulation. Not consuming enough water and fluids can increase blood viscosity and slow the blood flow. This can, in turn, increase discomfort associated with both the conditions.
Staying hydrated can improve blood flow and reduce muscle cramps, which can reduce restless legs and varicose veins symptoms.
Leg Elevation
Keeping legs elevated for a few times a day improves blood flow to and from the legs. This can help reduce discomfort, which can benefit restless legs and varicose veins.
Cold And Warm Compress
Alternating between cold and warm compresses also helps improve blood circulation, relaxes muscles and helps alleviate symptoms associated with restless legs and varicose veins.
Regular use of compression stockings, weight reduction, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and being active can help reduce restless legs and varicose vein symptoms.
Conclusion
Varicose veins and restless leg syndrome may be completely different conditions but they do share underlying factors, causes, some symptoms and home remedies. Key remedies focus on a balanced diet, hydration and a focus on a healthy lifestyle.
So, to sum up, are restless legs related to varicose veins? The answer is yes and no depending on the underlying causes. In some cases, treating one condition can provide relief from the other, especially when the causes are overlapping.
Visiting concerned vein experts at Avis Hospitals, following their advice and ensuring follow up consultations along with making positive lifestyle changes can help resolve the conditions and prevent their worsening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are restless legs and varicose veins related?
Varicose veins and RLS share certain symptoms such as leg discomfort and are caused due to poor blood circulation, inflammation and impaired nerve functioning. In many cases, curing one condition can relieve the other. For example, addressing varicose veins may cure restless legs and curing restless legs may provide relief from varicose vein symptoms.
What is the main cause of restless leg syndrome?
The main cause of restless leg syndrome is not known. However, it is believed to occur due to certain nutritional deficiencies (such as iron), metabolic disorders such as diabetes and medications such as antidepressants, beta blockers and over-the-counter sleep medications.
What vitamins stop restless leg syndrome?
Vitamins C, D and E are known to be beneficial for restless legs. In addition, vitamin B9 or folate and B12 may help stop restless leg syndrome. Nutrients such as iron and magnesium can relax muscles and prevent cramping.
What is your body lacking when you have restless legs?
Restless leg syndrome can mostly occur due to the deficiency of nutrients such as iron and magnesium and vitamins B12 and D. Dopamine dysregulation in the brain is also known to cause restless legs syndrome.
Can you remove varicose veins naturally?
It is not possible to remove varicose veins naturally. Home remedies can help alleviate or reduce varicose vein symptoms such as pain, inflammation and discomfort. Common home remedies for varicose veins include compression stockings, leg elevation, diet changes, exercising and hydration. Removing varicose veins may be possible only by medical procedures after consultation with a specialist who will run the tests and suggest the best treatment based on the stage of varicose veins and diagnostic test findings.