Many patients visit a vein doctor when sensations of pain or heaviness in the legs interfere with their normal lives. It is essential to visit a specialist in vascular medicine if you are experiencing pain or heaviness in the legs that you think may be caused by vein issues. Don’t let chronic pain in the legs disrupt your life, schedule an appointment with a vein doctor to learn about the possible treatment options.
What causes pain or heaviness in the legs?
Varicose veins are one of the commonest causes of leg pain. The condition, which causes veins to bulge on the skin surface, not only affects your physical appearance but may also cause pain and discomfort. It is important to note that in some people, symptoms of varicose veins may persist even when the damaged veins are not visible.
Although varicose veins are common to people between the ages of 40 and 80, they can also manifest in younger individuals. Varicose veins result from malfunctioning valves, causing the blood to flow backward and accumulate in the veins. The increased pressure weakens the walls of the veins and pushes them towards the skin surface.
If left untended, varicose veins can lead to other disorders such as lymphoedema and thrombophlebitis. Lymphoedema leads to swelling in the legs while thrombophlebitis occurs when there is clotting on the surface of the legs. Lymphoedema is the major cause of heaviness in the legs.
It is also important to note that not all leg pain conditions are related to vein issues. Leg pain can also result from other factors such as spinal problems, shin splints, and sprains. If you are experiencing leg pain that isn’t injury-related, you should visit a vein doctor who can examine your legs and evaluate the condition of your veins.
What symptoms of varicose veins do you need to look out for?
Many patients cite leg pain as a major symptom of vein issues. However, many variations of discomfort and non-specific pain can point towards a damaged vein/veins. Some of the symptoms you need to look out for include:
- Itchiness on the legs
- Swelling, especially on a hot weather
- Heaviness in the legs
- Chronic pain
- Burning sensation in the legs.
What are the available treatment options for varicose veins?
Patients seek varicose veins treatment for various reasons. Some patients seek varicose veins treatment for cosmetic purposes while others want to relieve pain and discomfort caused by the damaged veins. Either way, specialists at Metro Vein Centers will recommend a treatment option that is suitable for your condition. Some of the most effective treatment options for varicose veins include:
Compression stockings: These stockings are designed to help in promoting proper blood flow in the legs. They exert a steady pressure on the veins thus forcing blood to flow to the heart. Compression stockings can be used to relieve symptoms of varicose veins, but they aren’t a permanent solution.
Ablation: It refers to minimally invasive procedures such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) used to get rid of varicose veins. These techniques provide a permanent solution to varicose veins. Both procedures can be done in about an hour, and patients can resume their normal lives within 24 hours.
Sclerotherapy: This is another minimally invasive procedure mainly used to treat spider veins. It involves the use of sclerosing solution which shuts down spider veins within a few hours.
Plan your visit to Metro Vein centers
It is time to reach out to Metro Vein Centers if you want to get rid of the deformity, pain, and discomfort caused by varicose veins. Their overly qualified specialists in vascular medicine are dedicated to helping their patients live their best lives. They are situated in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Michigan, and New Jersey.
Dr. Kent Johnson who’s located in Woodlands, Texas, has 25 years worth of experience. He is a certified general surgeon who has amassed a wealth of experience during the 25 years of private practice.
