Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, can make your nights miserable and leave you feeling exhausted. At McWilliams Vein Center in Wheaton, IL, board-certified venous and lymphatic medicine physician Dr. Sean McWilliams and our talented team specialize in diagnosing and treating RLS with compassionate, expert care.
With extensive training and a deep knowledge of the root causes of RLS, Dr. McWilliams brings a wealth of knowledge to our practice. We emphasize personalized treatment plans and painless procedures. Patient education plays a big role in both, and this blog offers valuable insight into RLS and how you can fight back against those sleepless nights.
Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome
RLS triggers an uncontrollable urge to move your legs and often uncomfortable sensations like tingling or burning. Symptoms typically worsen at night, making relaxing or falling asleep hard.
While the exact cause of RLS isn’t always known, it’s often linked to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Varicose veins are often a telltale sign of CVI and a strong indicator that you need treatment to resolve RLS.
Tips for Managing RLS
If restless legs keep you awake, making small changes to your daily routine can help.
- Consistent Sleep: A stable schedule helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can reduce RLS symptoms, but avoid high-intensity workouts close to bedtime.
- Gentle Stretching: Stretching your legs or engaging in light yoga before bed may help ease your symptoms and encourage restful sleep.
- Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or a warm bath can help calm your mind and body, preparing you for restful sleep.
- Avoid Triggers: Be mindful of potential triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can worsen symptoms if consumed later in the day.
Of course, these strategies are largely geared toward reducing and alleviating symptoms, but they don’t get at the root cause of the RLS: Vascular issues. That’s where Dr. McWilliams and our team step in to help.
How We Treat Restless Leg Syndrome
At McWilliams Vein Center, we offer comprehensive care that targets the symptoms of RLS and its underlying causes. We provide advanced treatments to improve circulation and alleviate discomfort when restless legs are connected to venous conditions like CVI.
Untreated, CVI can steadily worsen. You might experience additional symptoms like itchy legs, heaviness, or sores that won’t heal (ulcers). Our cutting-edge vascular disease treatments can resolve CVI where it begins: in the veins.
In many cases, we treat CVI with innovative techniques like laser therapy and sclerotherapy. These approaches stop the root cause of your RLS symptoms while improving your vein health, giving you lasting relief.
We tailor every treatment to the unique patient’s needs, emphasizing comfort and nearly painless techniques.
Restless Leg Syndrome in Wheaton, IL
If you’re ready to find relief from restless legs, call McWilliams Vein Center at 630-474-2600 to schedule a consultation with Dr. McWilliams in Wheaton, IL.
