If you’ve ever had leg cramps keeping you awake at night, then you know how frustrating it can be. Perhaps you’ve even been diagnosed with something called restless legs syndrome, which can seem daunting in terms of figuring out which treatment option is best for your body.
What you may not know is that these conditions can sometimes be related, and they may be your body’s way of telling you that something worse is going on inside.
Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms
Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is often described as an involuntary urge to move your legs. This is typically worse at night and tends to interrupt sleep patterns.
This condition doesn’t have a specific known cause yet, but it is suspected that there may be a relation between RLS and venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is when your blood is unable to flow in a continuous pattern, and can sometimes result in worse conditions, like deep vein thrombosis or blood clots in the legs.
Leg Cramps at Night
A key symptom of restless leg syndrome is having lower leg pain that is worse at night and can often require the person to walk around to alleviate their leg pain. Leg cramps at night aren’t always indicative of RLS though, and further discussion with your doctor is important.
If your leg pain causes you to wake frequently at night and this issue worsens as the day goes on, then it could likely be caused by RLS. However, ruling out vitamin deficiencies, injury, and blood clots are crucial for proper treatment.
Vein Disease Treatment Options
Treatment options for vein disease can be relatively simple. Compression socks are a great investment that you can find online or even at your local pharmacy. Patients in St. George and other southern Utah locations can receive help from our vein specialists in picking out the perfect pair of compression socks for your particular needs. Compression socks and stockings assist blood flow in returning to the rest of your body, rather than pooling in the lower portion of your legs.
However, you may end up being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. If that is the case and you are seeking DVT treatment, then it’s a good idea to be evaluated at a place like Heart of Dixie Vein and Vascular Center. Places like this specialize in cardiovascular conditions and in ensuring you have the correct treatment to bring your legs relief sooner.
Less Leg Pain for Patients in St. George and Southern Utah
As you can see, something as simple as leg cramps or restless legs can turn out to be something much bigger. Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you, and instead turn to one of Heart of Dixie’s Vein Centers. We have years of excellent service and qualified experience in treating similar conditions as yours to get you back on your feet pain-free. Schedule a free consultation at a location nearest you.
