The Connection Between Leg Pain and Vein Disease
Advanced treatment protocols offer relief from leg pain and vascular disease.
Although leg pain is primarily associated with muscle, joint, or tendon injury or strain, there might be a more serious underlying cause.
Vein disease is a disorder involving the blood vessels in the lower extremities. When the veins in the legs struggle to return deoxygenated blood to the heart, numerous debilitating symptoms can develop. One of the most common symptoms of vein disease is leg pain.
Vascular diseases and conditions can significantly impact your health and quality of life. The highly trained specialists at Georgia Endovascular offer superior treatment due to their expertise, utilization of advanced diagnostic techniques, access to cutting-edge treatment options, and patient-centered care.
Learn more about how vascular disease can cause leg pain and potential complications and how effective treatment programs can help manage symptoms.
What causes leg pain?
One of the major causes of leg pain in people with vein disease is blood pooling in the legs. Weakened or damaged valves can reverse blood flow, leading to blood accumulating in the lower extremities.
The pain might be sharp and piercing or a dull ache. The disorder can also cause a tingling sensation or restless leg syndrome.
Vein disease-related leg pain can also be experienced as leg heaviness or tired legs.
Leg pain or cramping is also often accompanied by leg swelling and discoloration. The symptoms might be persistent or sporadic and can be seen on one leg or both.
When the leg pain becomes more intense while walking, it could indicate a potentially dangerous medical issue.
The following conditions can cause vein disease-related pain in the legs:
- Blood clots
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Leg ulcers
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Restless leg syndrome
- Spider veins
- Varicose veins
- Venous insufficiency
How are peripheral artery disease and leg pain related?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a widespread circulatory disorder affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the peripheral arteries narrow or become blocked, typically due to atherosclerosis. Among the most common symptoms of PAD is leg pain, which can significantly reduce mobility and impact quality of life.
For many people, PAD is symptomless. However, when symptoms develop, they are frequently felt in the lower extremities, like the hips, thighs, and lower legs, with the pain worsening after physical exertion and resolving when the motion stops. Leg pain can become more severe at night as the condition advances, causing sleep disruptions.
PAD is caused by the accumulation of arterial plaques that inhibit blood supply to the lower body. This plaque accumulation causes multiple symptoms, including leg pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.
PAD is often a complication of underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. If left untreated, PAD can compromise blood flow so significantly that lower limb function becomes severely compromised, sometimes leading to limb amputation, a condition called critical limb ischemia.
How is leg pain treated?
The recommended treatment will be based on the cause of the leg pain. However, if a vascular disorder is causing the leg pain and associated symptoms, treatment plans might involve the following:
- Lifestyle modifications. Encouraging regular exercise, smoking cessation, and adopting a heart-healthy diet can help manage risk factors and improve blood flow.
- Medications. Prescribing medications to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce blood clotting to prevent further disease progression.
- Endovascular interventions. Angioplasty and stenting can restore blood flow, open blocked arteries, and alleviate leg pain.
Getting early treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent the onset of serious medical complications.
If you have concerns about your vascular health, the team at Georgia Endovascular delivers next-generation treatment solutions that help manage vascular diseases successfully. Please contact us to schedule an evaluation in Atlanta today.
