Can treating vein disease help RLS?

As we discussed in our last post, about 40 percent of people with RLS have problems withtheir veins, but we don’t fully understand the relationship between RLS and venous disease. Research shows that there is high correlation of patients who see their RLS resolve when they receive venous treatment. 

One study showed that treatment of venous reflux eliminated or significantly reduced 98 percent of a person’s RLS symptoms. (Ninety-two percent of symptoms did not return after one year.) Another study showed that 95 percent of an individual’s restless legs symptoms were reduced, and 53 percent of symptoms were completely eliminated after vein treatment. Despite this and other research, there are currently no prospective random clinical trials that show that RLS is directly related to veins.

It is worth adding that many phlebologists have found that when patients wear graduated compression stockings, their RLS symptoms improve.

There is no cure for RLS, but many treatment options are available to help manage symptoms, including long-term use of prescription medication. According to Dr. Asbjornsen, many patients in her care have expressed that treatment for venous insufficiency has completely relieved their RLS, although other patients saw no difference at all. 

Research findings and anecdotal evidence do suggest that the patients who are evaluated for restless legs syndrome would benefit from an evaluation for possible vein disease as well. 

An article in the journal Phlebology (2008;23:112-117), for example, concludes that all RLS patients should be properly evaluated for venous reflux before initiation or continuation of drug therapy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gray1240.png