Leg Pain
Leg pain can feel like aching, throbbing, cramping, burning, tenderness, or heaviness anywhere from the hip to the foot. It may develop after activity, prolonged sitting or standing, an injury, or without a clear trigger. Pain that persists, regularly returns, worsens during activity or later in the day, or occurs with swelling, skin changes, numbness, or weakness may be related to the muscles, joints, nerves, veins, arteries, or another health condition.
Symptoms That May Occur Along with Leg Pain
- Swelling, heaviness, or leg fatigue
- Cramping, pulsating, throbbing, burning, or tenderness
- Visible veins, skin color changes, numbness, or tingling
If unexplained leg pain persists or keeps returning, don’t wait. Request a vein screening at United Vein & Vascular Centers today.
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What Causes Leg Pain?
Leg pain can begin in the muscles, joints, bones, nerves, veins, or arteries. Temporary pain may follow overuse or an injury, while recurring discomfort may be connected to an ongoing musculoskeletal, neurologic, or circulation problem. In vein-related cases, weakened valves can allow blood to collect in the legs, increasing pressure and contributing to aching, throbbing, or heaviness. Because different conditions can cause similar symptoms, the location or intensity of leg pain alone may not reveal its source.
Common causes include:
- Muscle strain or overuse
- Muscle cramps
- Sprains, fractures, or other injuries
- Arthritis or other joint conditions
- Sciatica or other nerve-related conditions
- Varicose veins
- Chronic venous insufficiency or venous reflux
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
An evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether vein care or another type of medical care may be appropriate.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Some types of leg pain require prompt medical attention. Sudden pain in one leg with swelling, warmth, redness, or discoloration may be a sign of DVT. Leg pain accompanied by chest or breathing symptoms may indicate a pulmonary embolism, while sudden severe pain with a pale, cold, numb, or weak leg may signal a serious loss of arterial blood flow. Do not wait for a routine vein screening when these warning signs are present.
Seek urgent or emergency care for:
- Sudden pain in one leg with swelling, warmth, redness, tenderness, or discoloration
- Leg pain with chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, a rapid heartbeat, or coughing up blood
- Sudden severe leg or foot pain with coldness, paleness, numbness, or weakness
Seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms, and call 911 for chest pain, breathing difficulty, fainting, or other signs of a medical emergency.
How Leg Pain Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing the cause of leg pain begins with the full pattern of symptoms rather than pain alone. A provider may consider where the pain occurs, what it feels like, when it begins, what makes it better or worse, and whether swelling, skin changes, numbness, or weakness are present. Because leg pain may originate in several body systems, testing depends on the suspected cause. If vein disease may be contributing, a duplex ultrasound may be recommended to examine blood flow and vein valve function.
Evaluation may include:
- A review of symptoms, medical history, medications, activity level, and the timing and pattern of pain
- A physical examination of the legs and feet, including areas of tenderness, swelling, skin changes, temperature, and visible veins
- Duplex ultrasound when a vein-related cause is suspected, with other testing or referrals when appropriate
These findings can help determine whether vein care or another type of medical evaluation is appropriate.
Treatment Options for Vein-Related Leg Pain
Treatment for leg pain depends on its underlying cause. When vein disease is contributing, recommendations are individualized based on symptoms, medical history, ultrasound findings, and vein anatomy. Treatment may focus on managing discomfort, supporting circulation, or closing affected veins that are not circulating blood properly. The appropriate plan may include conservative care, a minimally invasive vein procedure, or a combination of options.
Vein-related treatment options may include:
- Compression therapy and lifestyle recommendations, such as walking, leg elevation, and taking breaks from prolonged sitting or standing
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or VenaSeal™, which close an affected vein using controlled heat or medical adhesive
- Varithena® or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, which use an injectable foam or medical solution to close certain affected veins
Because treatment needs and results vary, a vein screening can help determine whether vein disease is contributing and which options, if any, may be appropriate.
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