Varicose veins and spider vein clusters

[Lenilatt]

I've just been reading the RLS charity recent newsletter issued recently and last night (I was up all night). I read the whole thing and on page 4 is a very interesting article about a connection between varicose veins in your calves and spider veins on your thighs (both of which I have). They are no problem, (don't look good, but still). Apparently in 93% of patients who have some kind of ultrasound treatment to treat these veins, it stops RLS!! So now I have to get referred by my GP (could take months to get an appointment as it will be classed as cosmetic treatment). Has anyone else had any experience of this?

RLS-UK Newsletter Autumn Winter 2019 newsletter

[RoadRunner44]

How interest in. Thanks for posting this information and let us know how you get on. I'm just going to go on line and read the article myself. Regards and best wishes, Chrys

[Pam34]

Good luck

Pam

[Hidden]

I dont know of anyone who has successfully had their veins done and their RLS has gone, i dont quiet understand why it would, as RLS is neurological and veins are a circulation problem.

[Jelbea]

I had a venous thrombosis last summer and now awaiting treatment for a bad varicose vein in February. However, it is proposed to seal the vein off by injecting foam and not by the ultrasound method. If I notice any difference after that I will let the forum know. I don’t hold out much hope as my RLS is severe and congenital.

Varicose veins can make the legs sore and itchy and from memory I always wanted to move when the veins were playing up. Maybe there is a sort of overlap here in that itchy sore legs might trigger an episode of RLS. Just a thought.

[Hidden]

I don't want to deter you, but you may find your GP can't refer you for cosmetic treatment on the NHS. You might have to go private.

In the last few years there are many things that have been NHS blacklisted. I have been personally affected by this.

e.g. GPs can no longer give prescriptions for -

A branded prescription only medicine if a generic one is available

Any medicIne or remedy that can be bought over the counter

Food items that used to be prescribed e.g. gluten free.

Some treatments have been blacklisted or restricted e.g. fertility treatment.

Cosmetic treatments, which I believe includes varicose vein treatments.

No harm in trying though.

[Merny5]

I had varicose vein removal in the hopes that my rls would subside. 8 months later there has been no change.

[nightdancer]

I am shocked that was in any newsletter to be perfectly honest. Vein therapy has long been an old theory that had been debunked years ago. Interesting.