Medically reviewed by Fernando F. Illescas, MD, CM, DABR, FRCP(C), on October 25, 2025
If you’ve ever felt an irresistible urge to move your legs at night, including an uncomfortable tingling, pulling, or crawling sensation that keeps you from sleeping, you’re not alone. Known as restless leg syndrome (RLS), the condition affects an estimated 7–10 percent of Americans, roughly 23 to 33 million people, according to Cedars Sinai.
For about 2–3 percent of the population, symptoms are severe enough to significantly disrupt sleep and quality of life, reports WebMD. Yet many people continue to suffer without understanding why.
And for some, the cause lies deeper than they realize.
For this blog, we consulted board-certified lead physician, Dr. Fernando F. Illescas, at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic in Waterbury, Connecticut. A fellowship-trained vascular and interventional radiologist, Dr. Illescas has spent decades diagnosing and treating complex vein disorders that can underlie symptoms like restless legs.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Dr. Illescas brings a global perspective to patient care.
👉To schedule an appointment with Dr. Illescas in Waterbury, CT, CLICK HERE
👉To schedule an appointment at any of CVR’s other 120+ vein clinics nationwide, CLICK HERE
Growing evidence suggests that venous insufficiency—poor circulation resulting from malfunctioning leg veins—may be an overlooked contributor to restless leg syndrome.
According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine (NIH), findings suggest that treating superficial venous reflux (vein disease) can significantly improve restless leg symptoms. This reinforces the connection between venous disease and RLS and supports the use of venous ultrasound in evaluation and care.
And while Restless Leg Awareness Day is observed each year on September 23, at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), we know that leg comfort deserves attention every day. Our vein specialists are dedicated to identifying and treating the underlying vein issues that may be fueling restless legs, helping patients reclaim both restful sleep and a better quality of life.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually when sitting or lying down. The sensations are hard to describe: some patients feel “pins and needles,” others say their legs buzz, crawl, or ache.
Symptoms typically worsen at night and improve with movement. Over time, incessant restlessness can lead to chronic sleep loss, daytime fatigue, and emotional strain. While the condition is often labeled as neurological, researchers are finding that vein problems can play a much larger role than once thought.
According to a study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, patients with superficial venous insufficiency (SVI) were significantly more likely to report restless leg symptoms than those without venous reflux (78.8% vs. 44.3%). The researchers concluded that this strong correlation supports the use of duplex ultrasound in evaluating patients with restless legs and suggests that treating venous disease may help relieve RLS symptoms.
Restless legs can be linked to several factors, including iron deficiency, diabetes, kidney disease, or certain medications. But many patients, especially those with leg swelling, varicose veins, or aching, share a common underlying issue: chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Venous insufficiency occurs when tiny one-way valves in the leg veins fail to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the lower legs. This increased pressure irritates surrounding nerves and tissues, creating sensations that trigger the need to move.
If your restless legs are accompanied by swelling, aching, or visible varicose veins, it may be more than a sleep problem—it could be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, which is treatable. At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our board-certified vein specialists can identify whether poor circulation is contributing to your discomfort and create a personalized vein treatment plan to bring lasting relief.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward calmer nights and healthier legs:
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
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As stated, varicose veins are one of the most visible signs of venous insufficiency—and one of the most common reasons patients experience restless legs.
Here’s how it happens:
Healthy veins carry blood back to the heart using built-in valves that prevent backflow. When these valves weaken or fail, blood pools in the legs, stretching the veins and increasing pressure inside them. This buildup of pressure can cause inflammation and irritation that affect nearby nerves, often producing the tingling, throbbing, or “crawling” sensations characteristic of restless legs.
When treated properly, these symptoms often improve dramatically. Patients frequently tell CVR physicians that their leg pain, swelling, and restlessness decreased or disappeared after vein treatment.
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, minimally invasive vein treatments can address the problem at its source. These quick, outpatient procedures improve circulation by sealing off faulty veins and rerouting blood flow to healthier ones.
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), every procedure is performed by an experienced vein doctor trained in the latest techniques. With more than 120 vein centers nationwide, CVR offers personalized, evidence-based care wherever you are.
Common vein treatment options to address restless legs include:
Patients can return to their normal routines the same day, and symptoms of restless legs often diminish within weeks as the underlying pressure and inflammation subside. CVR accepts insurance, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.
If you’re struggling with nighttime leg discomfort, tingling, or a constant need to move, don’t ignore it. Especially if you also notice leg pain, swelling, skin discoloration, or visible varicose veins, these could be signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
The sooner you talk to a vein specialist, the faster you can find relief from RLS and prevent other complications of vein disease, such as venous ulcers or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). At CVR, we use painless, noninvasive ultrasound imaging to pinpoint the problem and create a personalized treatment plan.
Restless legs can rob you of sleep, comfort, and peace of mind, but they don’t have to. What feels like a neurological problem may actually be a circulatory issue that can be treated safely and effectively.
At Center for Vein Restoration, our mission is to help you feel better from the inside out. Our board-certified vein specialists listen to your story, identify what’s really causing your restless legs, and offer modern, minimally invasive solutions that work.
That’s why at CVR, every day is Restless Leg Awareness Day, and every day, we help patients move toward relief.
1. Can vein problems cause restless legs?
Yes. Studies show a strong link between restless leg syndrome (RLS) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition in which leg veins don’t circulate blood properly. Treating the underlying vein disease has been shown to significantly reduce or even eliminate restless leg symptoms for many patients.
2. How do I know if my restless legs are caused by vein disease?
If your restless legs come with leg pain, swelling, heaviness, or visible varicose veins, it may indicate venous insufficiency. A quick, noninvasive ultrasound evaluation at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) can determine whether poor circulation is contributing to your symptoms.
3. What treatments can help with restless legs linked to vein problems?
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, CVR offers minimally invasive vein treatments such as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and radiofrequency closure (RFA). These outpatient procedures improve circulation, relieve pressure in the legs, and often ease restless leg symptoms within weeks.
4. When should I see a vein specialist about my restless legs?
You should schedule a consultation if you experience nighttime leg discomfort, tingling, or an urge to move your legs, especially if you also notice swelling, skin changes, or varicose veins. Early diagnosis and treatment at CVR can restore comfort, prevent complications, and help you sleep soundly again.
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