Restless Legs and Leg Pain in Peoria, AZ

Do you experience an urgency to move your legs at night while you are trying to get some sleep? Do these sensations in your legs feel uncomfortable and can sometimes cause significant leg pain? You may have restless leg syndrome (RLS) with leg pain. When you combine having spider veins with these sensations, this may make getting some sleep or relaxing comfortably nearly impossible once the pain begins. Our board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Matthew Lynch, recommends that you make an appointment to have your restless legs, leg pain, and other symptoms checked out at his office in Peoria, AZ, also serving Phoenix and the West Valley. At Lynch Vein & Aesthetics, Dr. Lynch can take a deeper look at your legs with a venous ultrasound and then make recommendations to give you some much-needed relief.

Restless leg and leg pain can be troubling conditions that make it hard to go about your normal activities. At Lynch Vein & Aesthetics, our treatment plan works to provide you with the following benefits:

• Ability to sleep through the night
• Reduced pain and discomfort from your lower extremeties
• More conducive body for being in public and quiet spaces
• Reclaiming of your body and increase of your comfort and confidence

Many of our patients describe restless leg symptoms as:

• An unyielding feeling to move the legs constantly
• A pins-and-needles type feeling
• A sharp pain shooting up and down the legs

Most people notice these symptoms more at night. It is common to notice these sensations and pains in the legs when you are trying to relax and go to sleep. The need to move the legs can be very unnerving. You may also have vascular issues, like spider veins that need medical attention as well. The best advice we can give you at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics is to have your restless leg symptoms evaluated by a vein specialist. Why? Even if you are only showing one symptom, it could be indicative of a serious health condition, like Parkinson's disease, kidney failure, diabetes, a blood clot, or peripheral neuropathy. Dr. Lynch can help you identify triggers that may be worsening your symptoms, such as specific medications, alcohol consumption, and more.

The exact cause of restless leg syndrome is generally unknown, but genetics are thought to play a significant role. Other common causes include chronic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, and peripheral neuropathy. Lifestyle factors, such as drinking alcohol or taking certain medications, can also contribute to RLS. Patients should speak with a trained medical professional like Dr. Lynch about any underlying health conditions or medications that may be causing their symptoms.

Dr. Lynch will take into consideration many factors as to what is leading to your restless leg feelings and leg pain. He will perform an examination on your legs and may perform a venous ultrasound. Once he has all the information needed to make a diagnosis, then he will make recommendations for your treatment. Dr. Lynch may also advise that you make some lifestyle changes, such as stretching, exercising regularly, establishing a nightly sleep schedule, and limiting exposure to known triggers. If you have restless legs and leg pain because of poor blood flow and circulation, Dr. Lynch will provide you with information on the best ways to treat it.

Dr. Lynch will want to follow up with you to check on how you are doing, especially if circulatory issues are found in your diagnostic testing. He will want to document your progress and see if the treatments are providing you with relief. Dr. Lynch will also make recommendations for when your treatment needs to be modified. Finding a solution to your restless leg and leg pain may take some time. Also, you may need to try different treatments or a combination of therapies to get results. Dr. Lynch will patiently work with you in the search to attain relief for your condition. It is important to keep all of your appointments at our office to get the best care for your leg pain.

What causes RLS?
The causes of RLS are still unknown, but genetics is thought to play a role. Some other causes of RLS include chronic disease (diabetes, Parkinson’s, peripheral neuropathy), lifestyle (alcohol, tobacco, caffeine), pregnancy, and certain medications (antipsychotics, antihistamines).

How do you sleep with RLS?
RLS can be frustrating, especially when it’s time for bed. If RLS is troubling your sleep, Dr. Lynch can help diagnose and treat your symptoms. However, there are also a few things you can do at home to help you fall asleep faster, like:

• Avoiding nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine before bed
• Getting regular, moderate exercise (walks, stretching)
• Reducing stress and anxiety (meditation, mindfulness, yoga)
• Keeping a regular sleeping schedule
• Using a heating pad to warm the legs

How do I know if I have RLS?
RLS can cause strange sensations in the legs like throbbing, itching, aching, or pins and needles. Often it creates an overpowering urge to move your legs to alleviate the symptoms. These feelings can be mild or severe and can come and go. In general, the symptoms are worse in the evening. If you are experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics to diagnose and treat your RLS.

Can anxiety cause restless leg syndrome?
According to doctors at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, stress and anxiety are major triggers for RLS. Anxiety and stress reduction techniques like meditation, breathing techniques, yoga, and stretching may help reduce the onset and severity of RLS symptoms.

Is RLS hereditary?
Yes, RLS has a hereditary component. Many individuals with restless leg syndrome have family members who also experience it. Research indicates that nearly 50% of those with RLS have a family history of the condition. Certain genes have been linked to its development, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

Are there natural remedies to ease RLS symptoms?
Some people find relief with warm baths, massages, and gentle leg exercises. Supplements like iron or magnesium might help, but we recommend consulting with Dr. Lynch or a team member before starting any new regimen.

Can RLS affect other parts of the body?
It can. While restless leg syndrome (RLS) is most commonly associated with the legs, it doesn't stop there. Some individuals with RLS report similar uncomfortable sensations in other parts of the body, including the arms, face, and torso. These sensations can be described as tingling, crawling, or even itching. The primary symptom remains the same: an overwhelming urge to move the affected area, especially during periods of rest or inactivity.

Enduring RLS and pain in your legs can all take its toll on your overall health. Come in for a diagnostic assessment with Dr. Lynch at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics in Peoria, AZ. Having restless legs at night while you are trying to sleep is a common health concern for many men and women. What you are experiencing with RLS is something millions of people struggle with daily. If you would like answers and solutions, please reach out to our front office for an appointment.