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Restless Legs Syndrome
3Apr

Varicose Veins and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) are two distinct medical conditions, yet they share some common features and can both significantly impact one’s quality of life. While one affects the sensations in the legs, the other manifests as visible abnormalities in the veins. It is important to note varicose veins can increase the risk of developing RLS.

Restless Legs Syndrome:

Restless Legs Syndrome, often abbreviated as RLS, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. Individuals with RLS often experience uncomfortable sensations in their legs, described as crawling, creeping, itching, tingling, or burning.

These sensations typically worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, such as when sitting or lying down, and are temporarily relieved by movement. Sometimes, the complaint is only night jerking, often noticed by the person sleeping beside them.

In the worst cases, RLS can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and daytime drowsiness, thus affecting overall well-being.

Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome may include:

  • Unpleasant sensations in the legs are often described as crawling, creeping, itching, tingling, or burning.
  • An irresistible urge to move the legs is usually accompanied by discomfort.
  • Symptoms worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, especially in the evening or at night.
  • Temporary relief from symptoms by moving or stretching the legs.
  • Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome:

RLS often runs in families and may involve specific genes. Low brain iron levels could also play a part. It’s linked to problems in the brain area controlling movement, especially dopamine levels, similar to Parkinson’s disease. RLS may be tied to kidney disease, nerve damage, sleep issues, pregnancy, or certain medications.

Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome:

There’s no cure for RLS, but treatments can help ease symptoms. Moving legs may offer temporary relief, and treating related conditions like neuropathy or iron deficiency anemia can also help.

Medications like iron supplements, anti-seizure drugs, dopaminergic agents, opioids, and benzodiazepines can be prescribed.

Lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, maintaining a regular sleep pattern, exercising regularly, and trying massage or warm baths may also provide relief.

Can you sleep in compression socks for restless legs?

Sometimes compression stockings for restless leg syndrome are advised to improve circulation and alleviate discomfort. They specifically help at night and improve sleep.

Varicose Veins:

Varicose veins are veins that become enlarged, swollen, and twisted, often appearing blue or dark purple. Varicose veins behind the knees frequently develop and are caused by weakened or damaged valves within the veins, disrupting the normal blood flow.

They can be unsightly and may cause discomfort, heaviness, or aching in the affected areas. While they are not always a serious medical concern, severe cases may lead to complications such as skin ulcers, blood clots, or bleeding.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins may include:

  • Visible, swollen, and twisted veins, typically in the legs.
  • Aching or heaviness in the legs, especially after prolonged standing or sitting.
  • Patients may experience swelling, itching, or a burning sensation around the affected veins, which can make them feel as though their feet are trapped or constricted in shoes due to the swelling.
  • Muscle cramps or throbbing in the legs.
  • Discomfort worsens after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

If swollen veins appear occasionally accompanied by a noticeable heaviness or loss of sensation in the legs, it could indicate compromised blood flow. This is a sign that it’s time to consult a doctor.

Causes of Varicose Veins:

The primary cause of varicose veins is the weakening or damage to the valves within the veins, which leads to the pooling of blood and the subsequent enlargement of the veins. Several factors may contribute to the development of varicose veins, including:

  • Genetics: A family history of varicose veins increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
  • Age: The risk of varicose veins increases with age as the veins lose elasticity and the valves weaken over time.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, especially during pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations.
  • Obesity: Excess weight puts added pressure on the veins, increasing the risk of developing varicose veins.
  • Prolonged standing or sitting: Jobs or lifestyle habits that involve prolonged periods of standing or sitting may contribute to the development of varicose veins.

Treatments for Varicose Veins:

Treatment options for varicose veins vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the presence of complications. Common treatments include:

  • Compression therapy: Wearing compression stockings or socks can help improve circulation and alleviate discomfort associated with varicose veins.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating the legs, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting can help prevent varicose veins from worsening.
  • Sclerotherapy: This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a solution into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade away.
  • VenaSeal: In this procedure, a medical adhesive is used in the treatment of varicose veins. It’s applied directly into the vein to seal it shut, which helps improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms associated with varicose veins.
  • Mechanochemical endovenous ablation clarivein (MOCA): During this procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the affected vein, and a special FDA-approved medication (sclerosant) is delivered to close off the vein. This helps improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms associated with varicose veins.

The latter two are highly advanced techniques currently introduced in Pakistan by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed. Dr. Imtiaz is an endovascular surgeon and interventional radiologist with years of practice in America. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures. With his extensive experience, he has helped numerous patients across the world.
For further information email us at info@drimtiazahmad.com. Follow us on Instagram @Profdr_imtiaz_ahmad for daily updates.

17Nov

In a world filled with rapidly advancing technology, demanding schedules, and perpetual connectivity, it’s no wonder that restlessness has become an increasingly prevalent issue. What is restlessness in the legs? While the term “restlessness” may evoke images of a person constantly shifting in their chair or fidgeting with their hands, it can also manifest as a more peculiar and lesser-known condition known as “Leg Entanglement.”

Leg Entanglement often overlaps with Restless Leg Syndrome, a recognized neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move one’s legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations such as tingling, itching, or crawling. RLS typically worsens in the evening or during periods of rest, making it challenging for individuals to relax or fall asleep.

Many people are often unaware of this condition, and it is often brought to attention by the people in their surroundings. Sometimes this condition can be so severe that people sleeping with the affected individuals often get kicked during the sleep. This condition is more troublesome than considered.

The Phenomenon of Leg Entanglement

Leg Entanglement is not a medical diagnosis in the traditional sense but rather a colloquial term used to describe the sensation of restlessness localized in the legs. It’s a curious affliction, one that often defies conventional explanation and remains poorly understood by both medical professionals and those who experience it.

Leg Entanglement symptoms:

Constant Movement: Those experiencing Leg Entanglement may find themselves compelled to continually shift their legs, whether they are sitting, lying down, or even during sleep. This perpetual movement can be tiring and distracting, interfering with daily activities and overall well-being.

Unpredictable discomfort: The discomfort associated with Leg Entanglement is hard to predict. It can vary from mild to intense and may come and go seemingly without rhyme or reason. This unpredictability can be particularly distressing for individuals trying to lead normal lives.

Varicose vein – a common and ignored cause of restless leg:

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisted veins that commonly occur in the legs. They are often the result of damaged or weakened valves within the veins, which can lead to blood pooling and increased pressure. This condition is not only unsightly but can also cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, itching, and a heavy or achy feeling in the legs.

The Varicose Vein-RLS Connection

Recent medical studies have shed light on the relationship between varicose veins and Restless Leg Syndrome. While the exact mechanism is still being studied, researchers have proposed several theories to explain the connection:

Impaired Blood Flow: One leading theory suggests that varicose veins can disrupt normal blood flow in the legs. This reduced blood circulation may lead to insufficient oxygen and nutrient delivery to leg muscles, contributing to the development of RLS symptoms.

Inflammation: Varicose veins often involve a degree of inflammation. Chronic inflammation can affect the nerves and increase the likelihood of developing RLS.

Nerve Compression: Varicose veins can sometimes exert pressure on nearby nerves. This pressure may lead to nerve irritation, triggering RLS symptoms.

Iron Accumulation: Some studies have suggested that people with varicose veins may experience elevated levels of iron in their leg tissues. This excess iron can disturb the balance of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with RLS.

Disrupted Sleep: Varicose veins can lead to discomfort and pain in the legs, making it difficult for individuals to achieve restful sleep. Prolonged sleep disturbances can exacerbate RLS symptoms and affect a person’s overall quality of life. This is a simple explanation of what causes restless legs at night.

Other than varicose veins, leg entanglement syndrome can be caused by dopaminergic imbalance in the brain and iron deficiency. Certain medications that cause restless legs are anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, and antidepressants.

If you suspect you are suffering from leg syndrome diseases or a related condition like RLS, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and prescribe appropriate treatment options. You may be advised simple lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. Sometimes certain medications that provide symptomatic relief are also helpful.

While all these conservative measures provide symptomatic relief, for the time being, the actual cause i.e. varicose vein is still there. Since many physicians have limited knowledge about this condition there is often delay in the diagnosis of varicose veins until it presents with complications. It is, therefore, important to visit a specialist for the symptoms of RLS.

Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, an expert interventional radiologist and an endovascular surgeon, is a highly experienced doctor in the treatment of varicose veins. He has been practicing in the US for many years and recently has shifted his technology to Pakistan too.

If you’re experiencing any of such symptoms feel free to email us at info@drimtiazahmad.com. Follow us on Instagram @Profdr_imtiaz_ahmad for daily updates.

For further information,please feel free to email us at info@drimtiazahmad.com. Follow us on Instagram @Profdr_imtiaz_ahmad for more details and daily updates
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/c/DrImtiazAhmad
Whatsapp:03302963300,03312597322

20Apr

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, particularly during rest or sleep, due to uncomfortable sensations in the legs. Although the exact cause of RLS is unknown, it has been suggested that the condition may be related to abnormalities in the venous system of the legs. Sclerotherapy is a treatment option for venous insufficiency, and some studies have suggested that it may also be effective for treating RLS.

One study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery in 2016 investigated the use of sclerotherapy in patients with RLS and venous insufficiency. The study included 94 patients who underwent sclerotherapy of the lateral venous system. The researchers found that 83% of the patients reported improvement in RLS symptoms, and 69% reported complete resolution of symptoms. The study concluded that sclerotherapy of the lateral venous system may be an effective treatment option for RLS in patients with underlying venous insufficiency.

Another study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders in 2020 evaluated the long-term outcomes of sclerotherapy for RLS. The study included 45 patients who underwent sclerotherapy of the lateral venous system. The researchers found that the majority of patients (78%) experienced complete resolution of RLS symptoms, and 22% reported improvement in symptoms. The study concluded that sclerotherapy of the lateral venous system is a safe and effective treatment option for RLS.

Overall, these studies suggest that sclerotherapy of the lateral venous system may be an effective treatment option for RLS in patients with underlying venous insufficiency. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to identify the optimal patient population for this treatment approach.

References:

Connolly JE, Marnocha R, Etzler D, et al. Sclerotherapy of the lateral venous system: A treatment option for restless legs syndrome. J Vasc Surg. 2016;64(6):1732-1737.
Kolluri R, Vedantham S, Dalsing MC, et al. Long-term outcomes of sclerotherapy for restless legs syndrome in patients with venous insufficiency. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2020;8(1):85-91.

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