It is estimated that in the U.S., 5-15% of the population is living with a neurological disorder known as restless leg syndrome (RLS). It is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, and sometimes other parts of the body. Many people experience periodic limb movement disorder, which can cause jerking or twitching of the arms or legs. Typically, unusual or unpleasant sensations that are described as tingly, creepy-crawly, tugging, throbbing, or pulling accompany these impulses.
A major issue for people who have RLS is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, which can severely reduce their quality of life. In addition, one new study indicated that women with RLS were around 43% more likely to die from a heart condition making this an even more serious health risk.
RLS doesn’t just affect women, although it does affect more women than men and is more common in middle-aged women or older. Nearly 25% of women develop the disease during pregnancy, although symptoms frequently go away after giving birth. However, it can affect anyone, regardless of age.
It has not yet been discovered what causes restless leg syndrome, but certain risk factors have been identified, such as anemia, dialysis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and damage to the nerves in hands and feet such as peripheral neuropathy from diabetes.
A cure for RLS is still unknown and diagnosis is through an evaluation of symptoms rather than a laboratory test. Certain lifestyle changes may help to decrease the symptoms, including, reducing caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, while increasing regular exercise and healthy sleep. Additionally, some people may find relief from RLS with a hot bath or shower, heating pads or leg massages.
When symptoms aren’t relieved through other methods, recent studies indicate that treating venous insufficiency can relieve symptoms of RLS, with 98% of patients experiencing relief from RLS symptoms simply by treating their venous insufficiency.
When you are looking for restless leg syndrome relief, it’s important to consult a doctor who is an expert in the treatment of the disease. At the Goldman Vein Institute, you can schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, and begin to experience an alleviation of your discomfort today.
If you would like more information on restless leg syndrome treatment, please contact the specialists at the Goldman Vein Institute today at one of our two convenient locations:
Jupiter 561-625-9853 or Wellington 561-790-4550 or visit us at www.goldmanveininstitute.com.
At the Goldman Vein Institute, our mission is to provide our patients with comprehensive care for varicose veins, spider veins, and other conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Our highly-qualified and experienced, board-certified vein specialists, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese-Goldman, combine their extensive knowledge and experience, with the latest innovations in vein treatments.
With our offices in Jupiter and Wellington Florida, the Goldman Vein Institute serves patients from Stuart, Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Hialeah, Sunny Isles, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Aventura, Surfside, Hallandale, and Hollywood, and we welcome patients across South Florida to visit our state-of-the-art vein centers, where we provide the latest in vein treatment technology.
