Should I See a Leg Pain Doctor?
Unlike most conditions affecting the lower extremities, pain caused by venous insufficiency does not correlate with physical activity, and you should see a leg pain doctor if it affects your daily activities. Venous insufficiency can range from a vague, dull discomfort to a frank, throbbing soreness or sharp piercing leg pain.
New York Vein Treatment Center’s doctor treats calf pain, leg pain, and other symptoms and complications of venous disorders. We have helped thousands of patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as the surrounding New York area.
Persistent pain as well as night pain is an indicator of “trophic changes,” or pathological developments in the tissue structure. This is an indication of venous insufficiency that has gone untreated for a long time. Whereas in the earlier stages of the disease pain can be relieved by rest and limb elevation, in the later stages trophic changes lead to sensory neuropathy, or damage of the nerve receptors. This damage can cause a variety of sensations – from dull, blunted pain to severe pain like burning. Left untreated, this tenderness can give way to decreased sensation and eventually numbness.
Leg pain of superficial venous insufficiency, just like any other type of pain, is a part of our defense mechanism—, a signal that our body sends to our brain indicating the location and degree of damage. That is why, as with any symptom, it is incorrect to treat only the pain rather than the pathological condition responsible for it.
New York Vein Treatment Center focuses on treating this and other symptoms and complications of venous disorders. We have helped thousands of patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as the surrounding New York area. Contact us to schedule your consultation.
Leg Pain
Leg or calf pain is usually brought on or worsened by periods of decreased mobility, especially while standing but also while lying down. In most cases, the calf pain improves with walking since contractions of the leg muscles help to move the blood up out of the legs.
However, venous pain typically increases throughout the day and is more severe in hot weather. One of the hallmarks of venous insufficiency is leg pain during the first few steps, which diminishes with continued walking but comes back with prolonged walking. This pain is called “venous claudication” and gradually increases in the ankles while being relieved by sitting down to rest, as opposed to “arterial claudication” which is characterized by sudden cramping of the calf muscles.
Leg and Calf Cramps
Leg cramps or calf pain at rest are almost always due to venous insufficiency. Abnormalities of circulation during this condition result in a “contamination” of the muscles with end-metabolites. When our body is reclined or in a horizontal position, venous circulation of the lower extremities becomes near normal. At this time, our muscles develop a low threshold for contractions, where even small movement can trigger a prolonged and painful spasm, typically referred to as “cramping,” or “Charlie horses.”
Leg Swelling
Swelling in legs or calves can be caused by venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when vein valves and walls fail to work effectively causing blood to collect in the veins, known as stasis. Due to the swelling, it is difficult for blood to return to the heart from the legs. Swelling, or “edema,” caused by venous insufficiency, is often confused with heart- or kidney-related edema when the body retains too much liquid. However, swelling of the lower extremities due to venous insufficiency is caused by the improper distribution of liquid throughout the body. Diuretics are the typical treatment for heart and kidney-related edemas, but this is ineffective and inadvisable for treating edema related to venous insufficiency.
When Should I Be Worried About Leg Pain?
Persistent leg pain as well as night pain is an indicator of “trophic changes,” or pathological developments in the tissue structure. This indicates venous insufficiency that has gone untreated for a long time. Whereas in the earlier stages of the disease pain can be relieved by rest and limb elevation, in the later stages trophic changes lead to sensory neuropathy or damage of the nerve receptors. This damage can cause a variety of sensations – from dull, blunted pain to severe pain like burning. Left untreated, this tenderness can lead to decreased sensation and eventually numbness.
Leg and calf pain of superficial venous insufficiency, like any other type of pain, is a part of our defense mechanism—, a signal that our body sends to our brain indicating the location and degree of damage. That is why, as with any symptom, it is incorrect to treat only the pain rather than the pathological condition responsible for it.
Dr. Khitin is a known expert in venous disorders, phlebology, and cardiovascular and thoracic medicine. Call us today to schedule your consultation. New York Vein Treatment Center has a leg pain doctor in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding New York area to help manage any symptoms and complications of venous disorders.
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