Venous insufficiency can be the underlying cause of multiple other conditions, including Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots in your legs), lower extremity cellulitis (life-threatening skin infections), variceal bleeding, and venous ulcers, restless legs syndrome, and leg cramps just to name a few. Physicians often only check some of the obvious explanations for the leg cramps like electrolytes imbalance (potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels) neuropathy, or endocrine conditions and do not explore the possibility of venous reflux as an underlying cause.

Restless leg syndrome is a condition marked by unpleasant leg sensations at bedtime. Restless leg syndrome frequently leads to insomnia. The cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown in most individuals, but many conditions have been associated with it.

RLS is common in patients with both saphenous and reticular varicose vein disease (unsightly veins). All this subpopulation of RLS sufferers should be considered for phlebological evaluation of venous insufficiency as a possible cause.

Correctly diagnosing vein disease involves a review of the patient’s history of symptoms, physical examination, and duplex ultrasound of the veins. The duplex ultrasound exam can help identify the presence of reflux and its location, as well as determine the patency of the deep and superficial vein systems. The leg is examined from the groin down to the ankle.