If you’ve ever struggled to fall and stay asleep because your legs feel jittery, uncomfortable, or like they “just need to move,” you might be one of the millions of people who deal with restless legs. Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs—especially in the evening or at night.
Restless legs syndrome affects an estimated seven to 10 percent of people in the United States, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The condition is seen more often in women than men and tends to be more common in white individuals. The chances of developing RLS also go up as you age. Globally, RLS affects an estimated 56.07 million people, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the NIH.
One of the most popular over-the-counter remedies is Hyland’s Restful Legs, a homeopathic product not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, which is marketed to relieve symptoms such as leg tingling, twitching, or aching. But is Hyland’s really a cure or just a temporary fix? And could your symptoms actually be caused by a chronic condition, such as venous insufficiency or vein disease?
Get a professional vein evaluation and personalized treatment plan from a trusted vein specialist: Center for Vein Restoration (CVR). As America's largest physician-led vein center, CVR offers comprehensive treatment for chronic venous insufficiency, often the root cause of restless legs.
If your restless legs have reduced your quality of life, it’s time to dig deeper—because the problem may be more than just a passing phase. At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our board-certified vein specialists are nationally recognized leaders in diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of leg symptoms, including restless legs, leg pain, and heaviness.
CVR will provide a personalized treatment plan using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Call 240-965-3915 or schedule your consultation online to take the first step toward lasting relief.
Research reported by the National Library of Medicine shows a strong connection between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and superficial venous reflux (SVR)—a form of venous insufficiency where blood flows backward and pools in the legs. In the study of over 200 patients at a vein clinic, nearly 79 percent of those with SVR reported RLS symptoms, compared to just 46 percent of those without reflux. Even more striking, 86 percent of patients who underwent vein ablation—a minimally invasive procedure to correct reflux—reported improvement in their restless leg symptoms.
This suggests that for many people, restless legs may be a symptom of vein disease, not just a neurological or sleep disorder. Despite this, RLS is rarely considered a reason to evaluate vein health. The study’s authors recommend that anyone experiencing recurring restless legs, especially at night, should get a venous ultrasound to check for SVR.
Hyland’s Restful Legs contains homeopathic ingredients like zincum metallicum and arsenicum album. Many users report that it offers short-term relief from the creepy-crawly leg sensation. But even the manufacturer notes that it’s designed for symptom relief only, not to cure or treat the underlying cause of restless legs.
So, while Hyland’s may provide temporary comfort, it’s not a long-term solution—especially if your symptoms are caused by venous insufficiency or medication side effects.
Don’t ignore your symptoms or chalk them up to aging or stress. If over-the-counter products like Hyland’s aren’t helping—or if your restless legs come with swelling, heaviness, or discoloration—it’s time to speak with a vein expert.
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), we specialize in treating vein disease and identifying the root cause of uncomfortable leg symptoms. Our board-certified vein doctors offer safe, minimally invasive treatments at convenient outpatient vein centers across the country. These procedures take less than an hour and can dramatically reduce symptoms, including restless legs caused by poor circulation.
📞 Get back to living life without restless nights. Call Center for Vein Restoration today at 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative, or schedule your consultation online at a CVR location near you.
Another surprising cause of restless legs is certain medications—especially Seroquel (the brand name for quetiapine). Seroquel is an antipsychotic drug often prescribed to treat conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and even insomnia. However, a case report published in Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology found that Seroquel may actually trigger RLS in some patients.
In the reported case, a 30-year-old woman began taking Seroquel for anxiety and insomnia. After starting the medication, she developed intense symptoms of restless legs that disrupted her sleep. Doctors ruled out other causes, including iron deficiency and other medical conditions. Her symptoms disappeared completely after she stopped using the drug. This strongly suggests that Seroquel, while helpful for some conditions, can sometimes cause or worsen restless legs as a side effect.
If you’re taking medications like Seroquel and have noticed a new or worsening urge to move your legs at night, it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider. In some cases, adjusting your medication may help alleviate your symptoms.
But if RLS persists or is accompanied by varicose veins or leg swelling, you should also consider an evaluation by a board-certified vein doctor.
Whether your restless legs are triggered by medications like Seroquel or by undiagnosed vein problems, you deserve answers—and relief. Hyland’s may help in the short term, but it won’t resolve the root cause if vein disease is to blame.
Our team at Center for Vein Restoration can evaluate your symptoms using advanced ultrasound imaging right in our office. If we find signs of venous insufficiency, we can offer minimally invasive outpatient treatments that require only local anesthetic. These non-surgical options help you get back on your feet quickly—with improved circulation, reduced symptoms, and better sleep.
1. Can vein disease really cause restless legs?
Yes. Studies have shown a strong connection between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and superficial venous reflux (SVR), a type of vein disease. In fact, nearly 79 percent of people with SVR experience RLS symptoms, and many report symptom relief after treating the underlying vein issue.
2. How do I know if my restless legs are related to venous insufficiency?
If your restless legs are accompanied by symptoms like leg swelling, heaviness, visible varicose veins, or discomfort that worsens at night, it’s a good idea to schedule a venous evaluation. A simple ultrasound performed at Center for Vein Restoration can identify whether venous insufficiency is the cause.
3. Will Hyland’s Restful Legs cure my RLS?
Hyland’s may offer short-term symptom relief, but it does not treat or cure the underlying causes of RLS—especially if it’s related to vein disease or medications. For long-lasting relief, it’s important to address the root cause of your symptoms.
4. Can medications like Seroquel cause restless legs?
Yes. Some medications, including Seroquel (quetiapine), have been linked to restless legs as a side effect. If you suspect your medication may be contributing to your symptoms, speak with your prescribing doctor and consider a vein evaluation to rule out other causes.
5. What treatments are available at Center for Vein Restoration?
CVR offers advanced, minimally invasive treatments, including laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal, and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. These outpatient procedures are quick, require little to no downtime, and are performed by board-certified vein specialists in an outpatient setting.
💡 You don’t have to suffer in silence! Restless legs can rob you of rest and energy—but help is available. Call 240-965-3915 or book your consultation online with Center for Vein Restoration, the nation’s leader in treating vein disease.
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