Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. It’s especially prevalent in the evening, when the sufferer is trying to rest or sleep. That’s why finding the right restless legs syndrome treatment in Arkansas is so important.

With our specialized expertise in RLS, Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center has a sophisticated understanding of the issue, and helps patients from across NWA treat the discomfort and control the urges of this disease when the cause is venous insufficiency.

RLS Defined

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease (WED) or Ekbom syndrome, involves the uncontrollable urge to shake or move your leg, often accompanied by sensations in the legs such as tingling, itching, and pins-and-needle pain.

RLS mostly manifests in the evenings, especially during relaxation times of little movement, such as sitting or reclining. It can strike at any age, though the greater number of sufferers are middle-aged or older.

The 2 Types of Restless Legs Syndrome

Primary RLS: exhibits as a central nervous system disorder.
Secondary RLS: exhibits as a secondary issue caused by another disorder.

Though two types of RLS have been identified, there is no single-known cause of the affliction.

Treatment Means More than a Procedure.

RLS sufferers combine medical expertise with self-implemented strategies to lessen or stop the symptoms. Here’s an understanding of both in-office and at-home possibilities.

Related topic: understanding restless leg syndrome causes.

Type 2 RLS from Venous Insufficiency

Restless leg syndrome can manifest as a secondary result of venous insufficiency. Our medical team at Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center have diagnosed it many times.

The faltering blood valves from venous insufficiency make blood pool in a patient’s legs. The legs bloat and feel heavy and uncomfortable, and due to the lack of circulation, the muscles often cramp. This cramping becomes RLS.

Our treatments, procedures, and medical expertise can help you control venous insufficiency, and therefore improve the symptoms of RSL. We offer treatments such as:

Try our virtual vein screening tool to schedule a consultation and discover possible help to “kick” the kicking habit.

Destress Your Life

An article in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences states that stress and depression can contribute to the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. As a home-implemented restless legs syndrome treatment in Arkansas, you can consider de-stressing, possibly through:

Focused breathing
Exercise
Healthy diet
Meditation
Massage
Social connection (in person)
Prescription medication
Other activities that lower stress and lift mood

Cut Down on Drinking

Alcohol use can significantly increase the chances of RLS. A sleep center study reports that drinking 2 or more alcoholic drinks per day can increase the likelihood of leg movements during sleep by 300% in women and nearly 100% in men.

That drink or two that makes you feel relaxed in the evening may also make your RLS worse at night.

Limit Your Caffeine Intake

Caffeine is a stimulant that works by arousing your nervous system. As it makes that system more “jumpy,” it can contribute to anxiety, depression, insomnia—and restless leg syndrome.

Related topic: the full picture on restless legs syndrome in Arkansas.

Get More Exercise

RLS seems to be alleviated by movement. Exercise can not only stop the pain during the attack, it can help stop the symptoms from occurring, or at least lessen their frequency and severity.

Your exercise doesn’t have to be gym-quality. It just needs to break up inactivity. Some of the simpler exercises include:

Interrupting sitting by moving or stretching
Try some yoga poses at your desk or in the break room
Choosing jobs or work settings that are more active
Using office equipment where you can stand (and even walk) while working
Schedule unavoidable inactivity during the morning hours
Choose aisle seats which let you get up and move more easily
And more

You Might Have a Nutrient Deficiency

A deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to restless leg syndrome. Have your healthcare provider test your blood for the right levels of:

Magnesium. It can help with sleep quality
Iron. Iron deficiency is a known contributor to RLS
Potassium. Deficiency contributes to muscle spasms
Vitamin D. RLS symptoms can be more severe when deficient
Folate. This increases blood flow, possibly helping with RLS
B12. B12 is known to help relieve RLS symptoms

Get More Sleep

Here’s the self-defeating cycle that a lack of sleep creates:

Restless leg syndrome makes it difficult to sleep.
Lack of sleep makes you tired.
When you’re tired, you’re more stressed.
Stress and fatigue can cause RLS symptoms to worsen.
RLS symptoms keep the sufferer awake.

And the circle is complete. Get the rest you need, and help if you need it. A sleep specialist can recommend tactics and tools to help you get more or better sleep.

Related topic: the full picture on restless legs syndrome in Arkansas

Let Us Help With Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment in Arkansas

RLS is often a symptomatic extension of venous insufficiency and the pain it causes. Our venous procedures can help with your restless legs syndrome treatment in Arkansas.

Here at Ozark Regional Vein and Artery center, our team of medical professionals can help you control, and even erase, your venous insufficiency—and therefore your RLS. We suggest you try our virtual vein screening tool to schedule a consultation and take charge of your vein health.

Trusted Vein and Artery Care in NWA

We are a premier practice in Northwest Arkansas for the highest-quality vein and artery treatments. Dr. Haney, Dr. Stout, and our expert staff provide advanced experience caring for patients’ vascular well-being.

Helping people is what we do; our mission is to provide the people of Northwestern Arkansas and beyond with the absolute best care possible.

You can count on the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center to provide effective solutions for treating your arterial disease and its secondary effects. Regardless of your needs or care resources, we will work with our patients to achieve optimal care results every time.

So, if you’re concerned about your vascular well-being, check out our Virtual Vein Screening Tool or schedule a consultation!

< Previous Post View All Posts Next Post >

Top Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome