Achy Legs? It Could Be a Sign of Varicose Veins

Legs resting

When we first feel aches or pains in our body, we may attribute it to a false cause. Maybe you’ve noticed your legs are itchy, painful, or restless, and maybe you’ve assumed it’s because of that long hike you took over the weekend, or the extra hours spent sitting at your desk job. Have you ever considered that this pain was caused by varicose veins?

What are Varicose Veins?

As mentioned, occasional leg pain is common, especially if you’re putting your body under stress. But sometimes consistent leg pain may occur without any clear trigger. Have your legs become so painful that it’s stopped you from doing the things that have made you happy? Or have your painful legs affected your overall lifestyle in negative ways? Varicose veins, visible or not, may be the cause.

Because varicose veins are often dark, visible, and bulging under the skin, they’re often thought of as a cosmetic issue. Unfortunately, the problems with varicose veins are more serious than their appearance. Varicose veins are formed when the vein valves in your leg are weakened or damaged. These vein valves are then unable to circulate blood upward through the leg, against the flow of gravity—an incredibly difficult but important job. Blood can then pool in the leg, causing a varicose vein. And over time, that blood can start to clot or break down the vein, creating a venous ulcer.

Varicose Veins Aren’t Always Visible

If you have leg pain but don’t have visible veins, you may assume that varicose veins aren’t the cause. However, you can’t always see varicose veins. Large, twisting, rope-like veins are a common symptom, but not universally experienced. Feelings of itchiness or pain in the legs can be subtle as well. This can lead many with varicose veins to assume that venous insufficiency is not the cause. For some individuals, it may indeed be something else causing the leg pain, but for many others, underlying varicose veins could be the root of the problem.

What You Should Do About Varicose Veins

If your legs are feeling painful, heavy, itchy, or restless, the best way to figure out the cause is to schedule a consultation with a vein care specialist. After a consultation, a specialist can assess your current vein health and determine whether venous insufficiency is the source of your pain. If so, treatment is quick, easy and minimally invasive.

The best vascular surgeons in Orlando at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center have dedicated themselves to the best patient care possible. After assessing your venous health, we cater a treatment plan around what is best for you. Our priority is keeping you comfortable, educated about your vein care, and providing a treatment plan that will get you moving and feeling better as quick as possible. You can schedule a consultation by calling us at 407-545-3385 or 352-658-5547 today.

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 Ocoee, FL 34761

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