10/10/2023
What is restless legs syndrome and how does it differ from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?
Leg pain and tingling or itching in the lower legs. These are symptoms that are associated with both restless legs syndrome and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). So how do you tell these conditions apart? And what are the treatment options for restless legs syndrome and chronic venous insufficiency?
What is restless legs syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition which, when developed, can impair quality of life and cause sleep problems. It is estimated that around one in ten people suffer from this condition, with the syndrome being more common in women.
As the name suggests, restless legs syndrome mainly affects the lower limbs, but in some cases the upper limbs or trunk may also be affected. The exact cause of the condition is still unknown, but experts believe that it is neurological.
What are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome?
One of the most common symptoms of restless legs syndrome is an unbearable urge to move your legs, especially when you are sitting or lying down. This urge is usually triggered by unpleasant sensations in the legs, including pain, itching, or tingling. There may also be a feeling of heavy or weak legs, swelling, or increased spider veins formation.
The urge to move the legs is especially noticeable when the legs are at rest, for example when trying to sleep or relaxing in front of the TV. In addition, the disease can lead to long-term insomnia, which has a major impact on the physical and mental state of patients.
Treatment options for restless legs syndrome
For restless legs syndrome, doctors most often recommend taking iron, magnesium, and vitamin B12. Foot massages, lymphatic drainage, ice packs or hot baths can also help. If you suffer from the syndrome, you should limit alcohol and caffeine intake and stop smoking.
Regular exercise is also important, and it is recommended to do sports in the morning. To get a good night's sleep, make sure your bedroom is well ventilated and shower your feet with alternating hot and cold water before going to bed. Herbal teas, such as chamomile tea, can also help you fall asleep. For severe cases of restless legs syndrome, doctors may prescribe medication.
What is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?
Another disease that is associated with the lower extremities is chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency is a degenerative disease, where the veins of the lower extremities are unable to drain blood back to the heart. It affects up to 90% of the population over the age of 30, according to experts. As with restless legs syndrome, women are more likely to suffer from this condition than men.
Risk factors for the disease include, in particular, standing for long periods of time or living a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight or obese, wearing too tight clothing or high heels. The likelihood of developing the disease also increases during pregnancy, if you are over 50 years old or if you have a family history of chronic venous insufficiency.
What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency?
The most common symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency include the feeling of heavy and restless legs, pain in the legs, tingling, cramping, and swelling. Varicose veins or spider veins may also appear, and in the higher stages, the disease may also be associated with the development of leg ulcers.
What helps with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?
Although chronic venous insufficiency is an incurable disease, its course can be alleviated with the right treatment and the symptoms of the disease can be minimized. The main treatment options include the following:
Healthy lifestyle
If your doctors diagnose you with chronic venous insufficiency, they will probably recommend a lifestyle change. In particular, you should exercise regularly. The ideal exercise is walking, which strengthens the legs and increases blood flow. You should also not sit or stand for too long, and if there is no other option, you need to stretch regularly.
Wearing compression stockings
The basis of treatment for the disease is wearing compression stockings, which slow down the development of the disease, eliminate swelling and reduce the pain.
Taking medication
Medications also relieve the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. For example, the over-the-counter veno-active medicine VENORUTON, which belongs to the group of medicines that protect blood vessels, is used to treat chronic venous insufficiency.
Medical procedures
In some cases, non-surgical or surgical treatment is performed. These include sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, ligation, or vein repair.
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