Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are different diseases that primarily affect the legs, but share some symptoms. PAD is caused by fatty deposits narrowing the arteries, while RLS may be linked to heredity and often has an unknown cause. Both can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) may have some symptoms in common, but they are very different diseases. However, both primarily affect the legs and both can be treated. However, the causes of PAD are easier to identify than the causes of RLS in many cases.
Narrowing of the arteries due to fatty deposits causes PAD. In this way, it is like arterial disease affecting the heart. Sometimes PAD can also be referred to as peripheral vascular disease, as PAD can also cause blockage of other arteries such as those in the neck.
With one exception, PAD generally has a known cause. However, in functional PAD, the blood vessels and arteries are fine, but occasionally there is a spasm that causes severe pain. The spasms can be related to cold, smoking or exercise.
In organic PAD, the cause is clearly narrowing of the arterial pathways. In the initial stages this can cause leg cramps during exercise which subside at the end of exercise. PAD sufferers are also at high risk of stroke, as an artery can become blocked and send a blood clot to the brain.
PAD is usually addressed through lifestyle changes. These include quitting smoking, eating a low-fat diet, and getting regular exercise. PAD sufferers may also take anticoagulant agents to prevent blood clots or even cholesterol-lowering medications. In some cases, those with PAD require angioplasty to open up narrowed veins.
In primary RLS, the condition may be linked to heredity. The cause is usually not known. Symptoms of RLS include an urge to move your legs when sitting or lying down and pins and needles or sensations like things are crawling on your legs. PAD can also be associated with sleep difficulties, as pain in the legs can make it difficult to sleep. With RLS, sleep is often affected by twitching or movement of the legs when just settling down for sleep. So waking up at night is quite common.
Certain psychiatric medications, illnesses such as diabetes, and caffeine and tobacco use can cause secondary RLS. Often this type of RLS is completely treatable if the diseases can be treated or if the cause is identified and removed.
For those with incurable RLS, medications and lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation can help reduce symptoms. Both RLS and PAD can be relieved by the patient by removing certain activating agents such as nicotine.
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