Is Leg Pain Related to Vein Issues?
Varicose veins are widely recognized as an aesthetic issue, but they can also produce symptoms—such as leg pain— that can greatly affect your quality of life. If you are living with a vein condition and have leg pain, your veins may be the culprit.
Here’s a closer look at vein conditions linked to leg pain and how to request an appointment with The Vein Institute of Hunterdon (TVI) if you think you may need treatment.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can develop in the legs when the valves inside veins become weakened and damaged to prevent blood from flowing back to the heart. This causes blood to flow backward and pool in the veins—giving them a bulging and twisted appearance.
Aching pain in the legs is one of the most common symptoms of varicose veins. This vein condition may also cause a burning sensation, heaviness in the legs, nighttime cramping and swelling.
Superficial Thrombosis and DVT
Thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms a blockage in one or more veins. There are two types of thrombosis: superficial thrombosis and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).
Superficial thrombosis is when the vein lies close to the surface of the skin. DVT is when the vein lies deep within a muscle.
Pain, tenderness and swelling in the legs are the main symptoms of thrombosis. Complications from superficial thrombosis are rare, but in DVT, a blood clot can become dislodged and travel to the lungs where it can cause a pulmonary embolism.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition in which a blockage forms somewhere in your lymphatic system. This leads to the buildup of lymph fluid in the body—usually in the arms or legs—to cause pain and swelling.
In addition to leg pain, other symptoms you may experience with lymphedema include heaviness in the legs and a tingling or tightening sensation. Lymphedema is a common complication of cancer and cancer treatments.
Contact The Vein Institute of Hunterdon at (908) 788-0066 to request an appointment if you are concerned about your varicose veins. Our vein specialists can review your medical history, perform an exam and discuss your available treatment options.