When you experience leg pain, especially when it occurs in your calf and problems such as swelling or varicose veins accompany it, two venous conditions may be the cause: Chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis. Michael Kassouf, MD, and the team at Vein Doc NYC in the Midtown East area of New York City specialize in diagnosing and effectively treating the vein problems responsible for your leg pain. To stop the pain and prevent serious complications, call the office or schedule an appointment online.
Leg Pain
What should I know about chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition that occurs when the valves inside your leg veins stop working effectively, the vein walls weaken, or both. Since these veins carry blood up your legs and back to your heart, the one-way valves are essential to stop blood from flowing backward.
When the valves malfunction, some of the blood pools in the vein instead of flowing up your legs. Weakened vein walls allow the vein to enlarge, making it impossible for the valve to close properly. When blood refluxes for either reason, you have chronic venous insufficiency.
Primary chronic venous insufficiency develops without an underlying health condition. The valves may weaken from age-related changes or due to chronic inflammation. Secondary chronic venous insufficiency is caused by deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that blocks blood flow.
No matter what causes your chronic venous insufficiency, the condition leads to high blood pressure in the veins, which in turn leads to complications such as venous stasis ulcers.
In addition to leg pain, chronic venous insufficiency may cause cramping, itching, changes in your skin, and varicose veins.
What should I know about deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) develops when a blood clot or thrombus forms in one of the deep veins in your legs. While some medical conditions increase your risk for DVT, the condition most often occurs when your legs are immobile due to prolonged sitting or bed rest following surgery.
DVT may cause pain in your calf, swelling, and red or warm-feeling skin. The condition is serious because the blood clot can break free, travel to your lungs, and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition because the clot blocks blood flow in your lungs and puts a strain on your heart.
How is leg pain treated when a venous problem causes it?
Your treatment at Vein Doc NYC for chronic venous insufficiency depends on the severity of your condition. The first line of treatment typically includes compression therapy, exercise, and weight management if needed. If you have varicose veins, the team at Vein Doc NYC eliminates them using sclerotherapy or endovenous laser ablation.
Patients with DVT typically receive blood thinners, medication to break up the clot, and compression therapy. In some cases, your doctor at Vein Doc NYC may recommend vein interruption, or a venous filter, to prevent a blood clot from reaching your lungs.
The team at Vein Doc NYC take a holistic approach to your care. When they treat you for DVT, they also teach you about the lifestyle changes you can make to avoid future blood clots and other vein problems.
If you develop leg pain, call Vein Doc NYC or book an appointment online.