Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), leg pain, and leg cramping are commonly associated with underlying vein disease.

There is evidence that many patients diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome may actually have venous insufficiency, a problem with the circulation of the legs – even though they may have normal appearing legs with no visible varicose veins or spider veins.  Venous insufficiency is caused when one or more veins in the legs fails to circulate blood up, against the force of gravity, allowing blood to pool in the legs. This is usually the result of one-way valves in the veins of the legs not working properly, allowing blood to flow backwards. This is called venous reflux, which is the most common form of venous insufficiency. Fluid pooling in the lower legs over the day causes leg heaviness, cramping, and pain. It can also be an underlying cause of RLS. 

Dr. Malvehy, California’s top-rated vein specialist, is able to diagnose and treat underlying venous insufficiency, providing relief to people who have leg pain, cramping, swelling, and RLS.

A definitive way to identify venous insufficiency – particularly in patients with normal appearing legs – is to perform a standing duplex venous ultrasound. Because people with venous insufficiency do not drain fluid from their leg properly over the course of the day, fluid builds up in the calf and lower legs. Stretch receptors, nerve endings embedded in the muscles, get a message to activate because of the fluid engorging the lower leg and respond by creating a sensation to move the legs or, if overstimulated, cramp the muscle. This is an attempt to empty the fluid that has filled the muscle over the course of the day using the calf muscle pump, the mechanism for driving fluid in the legs back to the hear.

In one study of patients with Restless Leg Syndrome, venous insufficiency was identified in 40% of people. Treating this venous insufficiency with a short, in-office procedure, eliminated the symptoms in 90% of the patients in the study! Patients with Restless Leg Syndrome who may have underlying venous insufficiency can be identified using a simple ultrasound in the office, which is typically covered by insurance and Medicare. Laser vein treatment is typically covered by insurance, requires no downtime, and may be curative.

Dr. Malvehy is consistently rated one of the best vein doctors in America and is top-rated in California. He provides in-office diagnosis and treatment for venous insufficiency. Patients can drive themselves home after treatment and there is little to no downtime. If you’d like to read more about the study examining laser vein treatment for treatment of symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome, click here.