Restless legs syndrome specialists Perth

Restless legs at night? It could be a vein issue

Restless leg syndrome Perth

What is restless leg syndrome?

If you find yourself lying in bed, constantly shifting your legs because of a strange crawling, twitching or aching sensation, you might be dealing with something more than just everyday tiredness. This could be a sign of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).

It’s a condition that causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs, often to relieve discomfort. It’s most common at night and can seriously affect your sleep and daily energy levels.

For many people, the symptoms of RLS are frustrating and confusing. They often go undiagnosed, or worse, are dismissed as ‘just in your head.’ But here’s the thing: in many cases, these symptoms have a physical cause. And in some people, that cause may actually be linked to poor vein function in the legs.

Can varicose veins cause restless leg syndrome

The surprising connection between restless legs and venous disease

One possible cause of restless legs is underlying vein disease, especially chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins in your legs don’t work efficiently, causing blood to pool. This is the same issue behind varicose veins.

Studies have found that lots of people with vein problems also get restless legs. More than one in three feel twitching, aching or the need to move their legs at night. The good news is, when the veins are treated, these restless feelings often get better. That’s why it’s worth seeing a vein doctor to check what’s really causing your symptoms.

I often see patients who have been struggling with restless legs for years without answers. Once we identify and treat the underlying vein issue, many notice a big improvement in their symptoms.

What happens when you see a vascular surgeon?

If you’re looking for help with restless legs, the first step is to book a consultation and have an ultrasound scan of your legs. This scan checks how well your blood is flowing and whether your veins are working properly.
The ultrasound is completely non-invasive and done right here in our vein clinic. If venous reflux is present, we’ll discuss the treatment options available to you.

Treatment options for RLS caused by venous issue

If venous disease is identified, treatment may include one or a combination of the following:

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA): A gentle, effective treatment that uses laser energy to close the faulty vein. It’s done in-clinic under local anaesthetic with minimal downtime.
VenaSeal glue ablation: A needle-light approach using medical glue to seal the vein shut. This is ideal for patients who are needle-averse or prefer a less invasive option.
Sclerotherapy: A specialised foam is injected into smaller veins to close them off. This is often used after larger veins have been treated.
Open surgery: Reserved for more complex cases, this is performed in hospital and may be covered by private health insurance.

As a vascular surgeon, I offer a full range of varicose vein treatment options, from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery if needed. This means we can tailor treatment to suit you, not just what a particular clinic offers.

Understanding the difference between vein specialists

If you’ve been searching for restless legs syndrome specialists, you might have come across different types of doctors, like vascular surgeons, radiologists and phlebologists. It can be confusing. But not all “vein specialists” have the same training or offer the same level of care.

Vascular surgeons are medical doctors with formal training in both arteries and veins. They are qualified to manage the full spectrum of vascular conditions, not just cosmetic veins but complex circulation issues too. If something unexpected comes up during your treatment, they are equipped to handle it safely and completely.

On the other hand, some vein clinics are run by interventional radiologists who may not have surgical training. These doctors perform procedures but often refer patients elsewhere if complications arise or if surgery is needed.

You can read more about the differences in this blog: Which doctor can help me with varicose vein treatment?

What to expect during your visit

At your first appointment, I’ll take a full medical history and we’ll discuss your symptoms in detail. We’ll look at any signs of vein disease and plan for an ultrasound scan to map your veins.

If venous insufficiency is confirmed, we’ll talk you through the treatment options, expected results, recovery time and costs, so you have all the information you need to decide what’s best for you.

Restless legs syndrome specialists Perth

Contact Dr Altaf

If your legs feel uncomfortable at night, or you notice strange crawling or tingling sensations, it’s worth getting checked, especially if you also have visible varicose veins, leg swelling or aching.

If you have queries or are ready to make an appointment with Dr Nishath Altaf, please give us a call or request an appointment. Dr Altaf consults in Nedlands, Carine and Midland. Get in touch today.