Restless legs and circulation: what is the relationship?

Herzog Medical
September 15, 2024

Restless legs can be particularly bothersome, especially when the symptoms recur at the same times. Especially in the evening on the couch or during a long train journey, you suddenly feel an irresistible urge to move your legs. Sitting still then becomes almost impossible, and many people recognize the feeling that something needs to be done to make the restlessness disappear. A common assumption is that poor circulation is the cause of this annoying sensation.

Restless legs and impaired blood circulation are not the same, but they are related. At Herzog, we see that people with restless legs often turn to Herzog compression socks to support blood circulation in their lower legs during long days of sitting or standing. Below, you can read how restless legs develop, what role blood circulation plays, and what you can do yourself to alleviate the symptoms.

What exactly are restless legs?

Restless legs, also known as restless legs syndrome, feel like an itchy, pulling, or sometimes almost electrical restlessness deep in the leg muscles. The symptoms usually appear at rest, for example when you are sitting on the couch in the evening or have just gone to bed. Movement often provides temporary relief, but as soon as you sit still again, the feeling returns. On the page about restless legsyou can read more about how the symptoms manifest themselves and what the possible triggers are.

The precise cause of restless legs is not always clear. In some people, an iron deficiency plays a role, in others, the nervous system seems to be involved. Pregnancy and certain medications can also trigger the symptoms. In addition, many people notice that the restlessness increases after a day of sitting at work or during a long journey, which indicates that blood circulation in the legs does indeed influence how bothersome the symptoms feel. Stress and a disturbed sleep pattern can also affect the intensity of the symptoms.

Restless legs are sometimes confused with other leg complaints, such as a heavy or tense feeling with varicose veins or swelling that may indicate impaired fluid drainage. It is good to distinguish between these complaints, because the approach differs. In case of persistent pain, swelling or skin changes, it is important to consult a GP or a specialist, especially if there is a suspicion of varicose veinsor another underlying condition. If you are unsure about the cause, a conversation with a doctor is a logical first step.

What role does blood circulation play in restless legs?

Your blood is pumped from your legs up to your heart through your veins, and this pump is largely driven by your calf muscles. As soon as you sit or stand still for a long time, this muscle pump works less effectively, and blood can accumulate in your lower legs. This accumulated blood can cause a heavy, tense, or restless feeling, which strongly overlaps with how people describe restless legs. This makes it clear why the symptoms often occur precisely after a long day at the office or during a flight.

Compression can be supportive here, because a gradual pressure from the ankle towards the knee helps the veins to push the blood back up. Herzog's compression technology is structured differently from a standard stocking, because the pressure is built up in a controlled and gradual way instead of being randomly distributed over the leg. This makes the difference between a stocking that just feels tight and a stocking that actually supports blood flow towards the heart. You will notice this difference especially during longer periods of sitting or standing, when the pressure needs to provide continuous support.

More explanation about how this pressure works exactly can be found on the page about the werking van compressie(mechanism of compression). It is important to know that compression is not a substitute for medical care. In case of persistent swelling, pain or a suspicion of trombose(thrombosis), it is necessary to contact your doctor, as this is a condition that cannot be self-diagnosed. This also applies when the symptoms are stronger on one side than on the other, or when the skin feels warm and red, as this may indicate a situation that needs to be assessed quickly.

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What can you do yourself to combat restless legs?

Regular exercise is one of the most practical ways to reduce restlessness in the legs. During a long workday, occasionally stand up, take a short walk around the house, or stretch your calves before going to sleep. For people with a sedentary job, this can sometimes be harder to combine with a busy schedule, but even short breaks of a few minutes can make a difference in how the legs feel at the end of the day.

Elevating the legs at the end of the day can also provide relief, as can a cool shower over the lower legs. Many people also find that wearing Herzog PRO Compression Socks contributes to a more pleasant feeling in their legs, as the gradual pressure distribution supports blood circulation during long periods of sitting or standing. These socks bear an MDR CE mark, meaning they comply with European directives for medical devices. This can be beneficial during a flight, a long workday, or simply in the evenings when the restlessness is most noticeable.

Herzog's medical compression socks are individually measured at six points so that the pressure precisely matches the shape of the lower leg instead of a standard size. This is relevant for restless legs, as a sock that doesn't fit well can actually cause an uncomfortable, constricting feeling instead of relief. With over twenty years of experience in compression technology, used by both athletes and healthcare professionals, it is known how important an accurate fit is for comfort during prolonged use. This is precisely where Herzog's expertise comes from, built on years of experience with medical compression technology.

Frequently asked questions

Is poor circulation the cause of restless legs?

Restless legs and impaired circulation are not identical, but they can occur together. Prolonged sitting slows down blood flow in the legs, which can intensify the restlessness. If the symptoms are persistent or severe, it is advisable to discuss this with your doctor.

Do compression stockings help with restless legs?

Many people find that the gradual pressure of compression stockings contributes to a more comfortable feeling in their legs during long periods of sitting or standing. They do not replace medical advice and are not a treatment for an underlying condition. If in doubt, it is a good idea to first investigate the cause of the symptoms.

When should I see a doctor about restless legs?

If the symptoms recur frequently, disrupt sleep, or are accompanied by swelling, pain, or skin changes, it is important to have this assessed. This also applies if there is a suspicion of varicose veins, thrombosis, or another vascular condition. A doctor can determine the cause and provide targeted advice.

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