Leg Pain

Carolina Vein Institute

Varicose Vein Specialists & Aesthetic Injectors located in Chapel Hill, NC~ Raleigh, NC~ & Apex, NC

If you have varicose veins, venous ulcers, or chronic venous insufficiency, you’re also more likely to experience leg pain. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, leg pain can prevent you from work, exercise, or other routine activities. At Carolina Vein Institute, with three convenient locations in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Apex, North Carolina, vein specialists Ashley Baquero, MD, Luan Tran, MD, and the team use safe, outpatient procedures to minimize leg pain and improve quality of life. To schedule an appointment today, call the nearest office, or book a consultation online.

Leg Pain Q & A

What is leg pain?

Leg pain refers to any discomfort or irritation that affects the lower extremities. It affects everyone differently. For some people, leg pain occurs intermittently; for others, it’s a near-constant problem.

There are many types of leg pain, but Carolina Vein Institute specifically focuses on leg pain that results in itching, burning, or heaviness. Usually, these types of pain are due to vein or circulatory issues.

What are some common causes of leg pain?

Carolina Vein Institute treats leg pain caused by a variety of issues, including:

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the vein valves in your legs malfunction. Over time, the condition results in swelling, skin changes, and the formation of venous ulcers. When combined, these factors trigger leg tiredness, as well as aching leg pain, and itchiness.

Varicose veins

A varicose vein is a gnarled, enlarged vein that occurs on the legs or feet. In the majority of cases, varicose veins are merely a cosmetic issue. Sometimes, though, they point to a more serious health problem, like deep vein thrombosis. When left untreated, varicose veins can cause leg pain, including burning, tingling, or itching.

Spider veins

Spider veins are small clusters of veins that occur due to factors like obesity, genetics, or trauma. Most people experience no ill effects from spider veins. However, in some cases, they do cause tingling, burning, or itching in the legs and feet.

Venous ulcers

A venous ulcer is an open wound that fails to heal; this can result in significant leg pain, including feelings of heaviness, aching, or burning, as well as swelling and darkening of the skin. They occur due to poor circulation and increase your risk of infection or the need for amputation.

How is leg pain diagnosed?

To diagnose leg pain, your specialist at Carolina Vein Institute reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a physical exam. They also conduct an in-office ultrasound to observe your circulation and pinpoint more serious health problems like blood clots.

How is leg pain treated?

Treatment for vein-related leg pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Usually, healthy lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet are enough to provide relief.

If your symptoms don’t improve, your provider might recommend:

Endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation
Sclerotherapy (Varithena)
VenaSeal™

If you have mild leg pain, you might benefit from elevating your legs or wearing compression stockings.

If leg pain is keeping you from your favorite activities, schedule an appointment at Carolina Vein Institute. Call the nearest office, or book a consultation online today.