We’ve all had sore legs after a long day, a tough workout, or being on our feet for too long. But if your leg pain is constant, recurring, or worsening, it could be a sign of something more serious, like a vascular issue.
Vascular problems affect the blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body. Blood flow that is restricted or otherwise hampered can lead to discomfort, swelling, cramping, or even skin changes in your legs.
That’s where we come in. Once we diagnose the cause of your leg pain, our experts at Advanced Vascular Solutions in Melbourne and Sebastian, Florida, treat many of these conditions, and the sooner you catch them, the better your chances of avoiding complications.
Here’s a closer look at the three most common vascular problems that can cause chronic leg pain, and what you should do if you think one of them might be affecting you.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when your arteries narrow or are blocked by plaque buildup (a condition known as atherosclerosis). Eventually, atherosclerosis restricts blood flow to your limbs, especially your legs, causing pain and other symptoms.
One of the hallmark symptoms of PAD is claudication, leg pain or cramping that starts when you’re walking and goes away with rest. You might also notice:
PAD doesn’t just affect your legs. It’s a warning sign of broader cardiovascular disease, which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. That’s why it’s important to see us for an evaluation if your leg pain gets worse with activity and improves with rest.
If we diagnose you with PAD, treatment may include lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking and exercising) and medications. In some cases, we might recommend angioplasty or bypass surgery to treat diseased and damaged veins.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) develops when the valves in your leg veins don’t work properly.
The valves are there to keep blood flowing in the right direction. In your legs, that blood flow must work despite the force of gravity. When these valves weaken or are damaged, blood pools in your lower legs instead of flowing back up toward your heart, leading to pressure, swelling, and eventually tissue damage.
CVI can cause a heavy, aching feeling in your legs, and it gets worse at the end of the day. You might also have these symptoms:
When left untreated, CVI can lead to complications like painful sores, skin infections, and worsening circulation. It’s a progressive condition, but with the right care, you can manage your symptoms and significantly improve your quality of life.
Treatment may include compression stockings, elevation, lifestyle changes, and in-office procedures like sclerotherapy, VenaSeal™ Closure System, or radiofrequency ablation to close off faulty veins and restore healthy blood flow.
Varicose veins are large, twisted veins that most commonly appear on the legs. They stem from weakened or damaged vein valves, which allow blood to pool instead of flowing smoothly back to the heart. Over time, this can lead to visible, bulging veins that may turn painful or uncomfortable.
For some people, varicose veins are mostly a cosmetic concern. But for many others, they cause chronic symptoms like:
The good news? Varicose veins are highly treatable. Depending on the severity, treatment options may include compression stockings to improve circulation and lifestyle changes (like elevating your legs or walking more).
We also offer in-office procedures like sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, or Varithena™ to close off the damaged veins. We thoroughly evaluate your current condition and medical history to determine the best course of action based on your symptoms and vein health.
If your leg pain persists, worsens with activity, or accompanies other symptoms like swelling or discoloration, don’t ignore it. Our vascular specialists evaluate your circulation, perform noninvasive tests, and tailor a treatment plan for your condition and lifestyle.
Chronic leg pain isn’t always part of aging or being on your feet too long. It could be your body telling you something’s wrong with your circulation. PAD, CVI, and varicose veins are three common vascular conditions that can cause leg discomfort. With the right care, however, you don’t have to live in pain.
If your legs are trying to tell you something, it’s time to listen. Request an appointment over the phone today or send us a message here on our website. We’re eager to serve patients in and around Indian River and Brevard counties.
