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Restless Leg Syndrome |
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What is Restless Leg Syndrome? |
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Restless Leg Syndrome, (RLS) is a common medical condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs especially while sitting or lying down.
Those who suffer from RLS find ordinary activities, such as car rides, airplane travel or sitting in theaters, almost impossible because their legs simply won’t allow them to sit still.
What’s more, RLS can make sleeping very difficult, leading to fatigue, chronic sleep deprivation and a lower quality of life.
If this sounds like you, you're not alone. It’s been reported that approximately 2 out of 10 adults in the U.S. suffer from RLS. |
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The Relationship between RLS and Venous Reflux |
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| We first began to recognize a relationship between RLS and venous reflux in 1982. Since then, studies have observed RLS in patients with venous disorders due to refluxing venous blood flow. |
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| Healthy veins return blood to the heart and lungs so it can be re-oxygenated. A system of valves along with normal calf muscle contractions makes this happen by allowing the blood to flow upward against gravity. |
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| When valves fail, blood flows backward or downwards due to the force of gravity. This backward flow, or "reflux", causes blood to pool and stagnate in the veins, which can lead to aching, throbbing, cramping and fatigue in the legs. |
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Treating Restless Leg Syndrome |
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| We’ve observed over the past 25 years that a large percentage of patients with RLS and venous reflux will experience significant improvement in their discomfort following the treatment of their venous reflux with procedures like Endovenous Laser Treatment (ELT) and Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy. |
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| Many patients with venous reflux can have visible, large varicose veins and/or smaller spider veins. But it’s important to note that many others can have no visible evidence of varicose veins. In these cases, a specially designed ultrasound examination will often reveal a complicated and extensive network of venous reflux beneath the skin. |
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| Schedule a consultation with one of our physicians today by calling 866-923-8346, or by
filling out an appointment form. |
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The information found on this website is designed to support, not replace, the patient/physician relationship. Please contact us at 866-923-8346 to meet with a doctor.
The above information was last updated on 2/19/09 by Dr. Theodore King , M.D. on behalf of Vein Clinics of America (VCA). VCA is the largest medical group in the country dedicated exclusively to treating vein disease.
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©2009 Vein Clinics of America 1901 Butterfield Road, Suite 220, Downers Grove, IL, 60515
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