If the uncomfortable symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) keep you awake at night, medical-grade compression socks can help to provide the relief you need to sleep soundly. That said, it’s important for those exploring this simple home remedy to understand the underlying causes of RLS (also called Willis-Ekbom disease) and how compression therapy works to alleviate discomfort.
Whether you’re exploring compression therapy for the first time or looking to enhance your current self-care routine, the board-certified physicians at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) are here to help you find the right solution to address the root causes of RLS.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, RLS affects between 7 and 10 percent of the U.S. population, with its risk increasing with age. It’s often described as an uncontrollable need to move the legs, typically at night. This desire for movement is usually coupled with uncomfortable sensations in the legs, including itching, cramping, tingling, creeping and crawling, twitching, aching, pulling, tugging, and throbbing.
It’s important to note that RLS symptoms don’t exclusively occur while you’re trying to sleep. They can also onset after sitting for long periods of time, for example, while traveling by car or plane.
Researchers haven’t clarified the exact cause of RLS; however, leading theories include brain function and dopamine regulation, genetics, mineral deficiencies, medications, and underlying medical conditions, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). According to WebMD, it’s also common during the last trimester of pregnancy. RLS symptoms can also onset in those with anemia, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, substance use disorder, or kidney disease.
Triggers for RLS symptoms vary from person to person, but among the most common are caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, stress, and lack of sleep. This means that one of the potential symptoms of RLS can cause other symptoms to worsen despite not causing the initial condition. Could compression therapy be the missing piece of your self-care puzzle?
Compression therapy improves circulation in the legs. Putting the right amount of balanced pressure on the legs, specifically the calves, ankles, and feet, helps relieve symptoms of RLS and prevents blood from pooling in lower leg veins because of weakened valves—a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency.
Compression socks can be purchased over the counter or online, but it’s not uncommon for physicians to prescribe them to mitigate leg swelling after certain surgical procedures. The pressure starts near the ankle and gradually diminishes to the end, usually the knee or thigh. As always, our CVR experts take your measurements and help you select a pair based on your specific symptoms and medical history.
Keep in mind that varicose veins, spider veins, and venous ulcers can share several symptoms of RLS, including throbbing, itching, and cramping. This suggests a strong link to the root cause and subsequent treatment, both of which involve circulation. Let’s dive deeper into how compression care works to combat the irritating symptoms of RLS.
How does compression therapy relieve restless legs? Medical-grade compression socks and stockings increase circulation, helping manage everyday symptoms that can become debilitating if left untreated. Many patients report immediate relief from RLS symptoms while wearing compression garments because they aid proper circulation and offset blood pooling from the weakened vein valves.
Wearing compression garments seems almost too simple, but that's precisely why it's crucial to understand how to maximize their benefits for RLS symptoms. To get the most out of this straightforward solution, consult a CVR expert to determine the right compression level for your needs.
Discover the comfort of medical-grade compression socks that will improve circulation and boost venous health. Don’t wait any longer—call us at 240-965-3915 to chat with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR clinic near you today.
According to Verywell Health, pressure for these garments is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The standard level ranges between 20 and 30 mmHg, but plenty of options offer higher and lower levels, depending on the wearer's needs.
Suffering from leg swelling (edema) in addition to the uncomfortable symptoms of RLS? In this case, getting your measurements in the morning may be best before swelling sets in. You’ll need three measurements in total:
To maximize the medical potential of your compression socks, wear them around the house for a few hours. They should feel tight yet snug rather than rigid, stiff, or painful. If you have mobility or dexterity concerns, ask your CVR expert about purchasing a device that can firmly grasp the sock and pull it upward.
Now that we’ve discussed the basics, you may be left with one big question: when and for how long should you pursue compression care? While this will depend on your specific symptoms and medical history, many achieve nighttime relief by putting on their compression garments when they wake up, wearing them throughout the day, and taking them off to sleep. Consult with your CVR physician for a customized approach that you can continue to tailor based on your symptoms and supplementary treatment methods.
While compression socks can provide effective relief from restless legs, they’re considered a temporary solution because they don’t treat the root cause of the problem and instead alleviate symptoms. That said, they can vastly improve your quality of life and provide incredible relief from the discomfort of RLS, especially when coupled with additional and ongoing self-care methods, such as regular exercise, avoiding stimulants at night, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
A CVR expert can give you the encouragement to take the next step in your vein health journey. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Remember: compression therapy is also used to treat uncomfortable symptoms experienced by athletes, pregnant women, and those recovering from surgery. RLS—or any condition associated with vein disease—can significantly impact your quality of life. CVR’s team of trusted professionals can diagnose your condition, address your questions and concerns, and offer you a variety of treatment options that will provide you with the long-term relief you deserve.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today. You’re worth it!
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