leg pain and swollen veins (venous insufficiency)

The medical term venous insufficiency refers to vein damage that stops the veins from properly moving blood back to the heart. While the valves within these veins usually serve to help blood move forward, venous insufficiency can cause blood to flow backward, which increases pressure, blood pooling in the lower extremities and more.¹

Venous insufficiency can be caused by hereditary valve dysfunction or after the damage caused by a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clot. It’s a fairly common issue, impacting up to 40 percent of all Americans. It is most common in middle-aged people and women who have had multiple pregnancies.²

Symptoms may start with aches, cramps, pain and swelling in the legs, but if left untreated, they will progress to skin conditions and ulcers, varicose veins, increased pain and hardened skin to name a few issues.

While not all cases are preventable, there are some ways that you can prevent the severity of the symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, as well as getting exercise, can help.¹

If you’re concerned about issues with your legs and think you may have leg pain and swollen veins, stop into your neighborhood MedExpress. Our providers can set your mind at ease and suggest a care plan to get you feeling better.

For your convenience, we accept most major insurance. To verify that your insurance is in-network, visit the Plan Your Visit page. We also offer a discount to those patients who choose to pay in full for their visit at the time of service. Self-pay services are $199.

Causes of Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is caused by damage to vein walls, which causes blood to flow backward. The veins stretch as a result and fill with blood. While some people may have this condition from birth, others may have it later in life. It can also be causes by an inflammatory response to a blood clot within the vein.¹

Risk factors include:¹

• A sedentary lifestyle, including sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Being female
• Conditions such as deep vein thrombosis in the legs, May-Thurner Syndroms, and leg and vein injuries
• Family history
• High levels of the hormone progesterone
• Obesity
• Old age
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Taller height

Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

Early stages of venous insufficiency may include the following symptoms, which appear to improve with rest and leg elevation:¹

• Aching and throbbing in the legs
• Cramps
• Heaviness in the legs
• Itchy skin
• Muscle fatigue
• Pain
• Pitting swelling, which is when the skin indents when pressed
• Restless leg syndrome
• Swelling of the legs, often at night

If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your provider immediately:¹

• Leg discomfort and fatigue
• Swelling

The following symptoms appear as venous insufficiency moves into its more advanced stages:¹

• A rash known as erythema
• Dilated venous capillaries
• Eczema
• Fibrosis of the skin
• Frequent swelling
• Hardened skin on the lower legs
• Hyperpigmentation and thinning of the skin
• Skin ulcers
• Varicose veins

Chronic venous insufficiency progresses through several different stages, which include:¹

• Stage 1: Reticular or spider veins may appear.
• Stage 2: Varicose veins show up.
• Stage 3: Swelling in the legs occurs.
• Stage 4: Pigmentation, eczema and scarring of the legs happens.
• Stage 5: Ulcers begin to form.
• Stage 6: Ulcers return.

Without proper treatment, chronic venous insufficiency gets worse over time. If you have any of the following changes to your symptoms, see your provider immediately:¹

• Symptoms growing worse or more painful
• Sudden swelling or pain
• Skin changes
• Skin ulcers

How to Treat Leg Pain and Venous Insufficiency

While leg pain and swollen veins can't always be prevented, the following treatments may help:¹

• Avoiding tight clothing and shoes
• Check and moisturize your skin daily
• Compression therapy
• Elevating the impacted leg throughout the day
• Engaging in regular exercise, including specific exercises to strengthen your legs
• Ensuring you don't sit or stand for long periods
• Following a treatment plan for any leg or vein conditions
• losing and maintaining weight
• Properly managing your blood pressure
• Reducing sodium intake
• Wear compression socks if you must be still for long periods

How to Relieve Severe Leg Pain At Night

If you are dealing with severe or overwhelming leg pain in the evening, your first step is to contact a health care professional. They’ll be able to examine you and get you on a treatment plan.

Here are a few ways to relieve your symptoms before you speak with them:³

• Elevate legs to the level of your heart for fifteen minutes
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Stretch before you go to sleep
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or acetaminophen
• Wear compression stockings or apply compresses under a provider's supervision

When to Worry about Varicose Veins and Leg Pain⁴

You should see your provider if at any point you become concerned about your veins or can’t deal with the pain and discomfort that they are causing you. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek emergency care immediately:

• Daily pain and swelling
• Darker areas of skin, sores or ulcers
• Veins that bleed, are painful or hot to the touch

In some cases, a blood clot can break free from your veins and travel to the lungs. This life-threatening condition may start with sudden or gradual shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately:

• Chest pain
• Constant sweating
• Coughing up blood
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Irregular heart rate or rapid pulse
• Lightheadedness

While leg pain and swollen veins are often just a part of growing older, they can also pose serious health conditions. MedExpress is open every day from 8 to 8, so you can always walk in, see a provider and get some peace of mind.

REFERENCES:

1. Healthgrades. What Is Venous Insufficiency, and How Do You Treat It? Last updated July 22, 2022. Accessed April 22, 2024.

2. Society for Vascular Surgery. Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Last updated January 15, 2024. Accessed April 22, 2024.

3. Vascular Medicine. Leg Pain at Night. Accessed April 22, 2024.

4. Healthline. Should You Be Concerned About Your Varicose Veins? Last updated June 10, 2020. Accessed April 22, 2024.