Restless Leg Syndrome
Between 7-10% of people experience restless leg syndrome, a condition that can make it difficult to get a rejuvenating night of sleep. At Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC, with locations in Downtown Panama City, Panama City Beach, Port St. Joe, and Chipley, Florida, board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon Ashish Gupta, MD, FACS, RVT, and the team diagnose and treat restless leg syndrome using advanced vein therapies and prescription medication. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
Restless Leg Syndrome
What is restless leg syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) causes an uncontrollable urge to move or reposition your legs when sitting or lying down. The condition affects people of all genders and races, but it’s especially common in patients who are middle-aged or older.
Restless leg syndrome isn’t necessarily serious, but it can negatively affect your quality of life. If you spend most nights tossing and turning due to irritating or uncomfortable leg sensations, make an appointment at Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC, as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of restless leg syndrome?
The most common symptom of restless leg syndrome is the urge to kick or reposition your legs. Other telltale signs of RLS include:
- Tingling sensations that begin after rest
- Relief that occurs with movement
- Symptoms that worsen in the evenings
- Nighttime leg twitching
RLS usually affects both legs. Some people with RLS also experience tingling or pulsing sensations in their arms and fingers. The sensations caused by RLS affect everyone differently, but they’re usually described as creeping, crawling, itching, or pulling.
When should I see a doctor about restless leg syndrome?
Many people wait to seek treatment for restless leg syndrome because they don’t realize it’s a medical issue. Unfortunately, without professional intervention, RLS can cause daytime drowsiness, an inability to focus, and insomnia.
If you fail to get a full eight hours of sleep two or three times a week or regularly find yourself kicking or moving in your sleep, RLS may be to blame.
How is restless leg syndrome diagnosed?
To diagnose restless leg syndrome, the team at Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC conducts a physical and neurological exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. They also order blood tests, as an iron deficiency may present similar symptoms.
If the team suspects you have sleep apnea, they might also recommend a sleep study. A sleep study is a screening procedure that monitors your respiratory rate, heart rate, and brain’s electrical activity while you sleep.
How is restless leg syndrome treated?
Treatment of restless leg syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC usually recommends a combination of vein therapy, such as endovenous radiofrequency ablation, and prescription medications.
There are several types of medicine used to treat RLS, including medications that increase dopamine in the brain, drugs that affect the calcium channels throughout your body, and muscle relaxants. The type of medication that’s right for you depends on your health history and symptoms.
To explore your treatment options for restless leg syndrome, schedule an appointment at Southern Vascular of Panama City, LLC. Call the office nearest you, or book a consultation online today.