Do You Have Leg Aching / Pain / Tenderness?
When you get home each evening, do your legs have that nagging “Gotta put my feet up” feeling? This daily annoyance is one of the most common symptoms of vein disease. Because it frequently occurs long before visible varicose veins or obvious swelling, sufferers are frequently puzzled as to the source of their discomfort. If your leg aching / pain is becoming more frequent or more bothersome, call Dr. Clint Hayes, MD at the Vein Center of North Texas (903-893-0123) to book an appointment. Dr. Hayes and his expert team diagnose and treat the underlying venous insufficiency to restore normal circulation, relieve your symptoms, and get you back on your feet.
Q: What causes leg pain?
A: In addition to venous insufficiency, the list of common causes of leg pain includes arthritis, pinched nerves, infection, arterial blockage, DVT (blood clots), etc. While most causes of leg pain are not life-threatening or limb-threatening, some of these common conditions can have serious consequences and should not be ignored.
Q: How can my legs bother me so much but don’t have visibly bulging veins?
A: Venous insufficiency can cause any of a number of symptoms including aching, pain, tenderness, swelling, varicose veins, skin discoloration, venous leg ulcers, etc. Some of the more bothersome symptoms such as aching, pain, and tenderness frequently occur without obvious physical changes such and bulging veins, daily swelling, etc. This makes early diagnosis problematic; as patients, family members, and primary care providers might not think of venous disease as the underlying cause.
Q: When should I see a doctor about my leg pain?
A: Most causes of leg pain are self-limiting and are not a threat to life or limb. Conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, degenerative disk disease, and arthritis can smolder for months or years, gradually causing progressive injury to the skin, soft tissues, central / peripheral nerves, and joints. These conditions can progress slowly and are frequently ignored until irreversible damage has been done. If your leg symptoms are persistent, increasing in frequency or intensity, or are keeping you up at night you should give Dr. Hayes a call at 903-893-0123 and book an appointment. Dr. Hayes can usually identify the underlying process causing your leg pain and help you get the treatment you need.
Q: How do you diagnose the underlying cause of my leg pain?
A: After reviewing the medical history of your leg problems, the Expert Team at the Vein Center of North Texas will survey your legs for visible signs of underlying venous disease such as varicose or spider veins, inflammation, skin redness / darkening / thinning / ulceration, etc.
When indicated, a duplex ultrasound (DUS) examination will be performed to search for DVT, SVT, venous insufficiency, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), local injury / inflammation, etc. Dr. Hayes and/or Kelsie will discuss with you the findings and the implications of your DUS results and then help you to formulate a plan of action to get you back on your feet.
Q: How are the conditions that cause the leg pain treated?
A: After diagnosing the underlying causes of your leg pain, Dr. Hayes will work with you to form a treatment plan to address the underlying conditions and bring your legs back to their natural healthy state. Depending on your findings, Dr. Hayes might recommend lifestyle modifications, compression stockings, or operative intervention. If your leg symptoms are slowing you down, call the Vein Center of North Texas.
Bring us your legs – We’ll get you back in the fast lane!