If you are experiencing leg pain it is important that you don’t ignore it, as it could be a sign of something serious. Any pain in your leg that is new and persistent is a reason to visit your doctor. And if you live in South Florida, we have a number of foot specialists in Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center to attend to your needs. Leg pain can have a number of causes. One of the more common causes of leg pain, as we get older, is venous congestion, a buildup of fluid in the legs. This occurs as a result of blood that begins to pool in the legs instead of circulating normally, which can be caused by inflammation in a vein or by varicose veins. Symptoms include pain and swelling. The pain is usually described as a cramping or burning feeling. Venous congestion can cause pain both in the feet and legs.
Your doctor can do a physical examination of your legs to determine if your pain is caused by venous congestion. If this is determined to be the cause, there are a number of ways to treat it. Treatments include:
- Increasing your level of physical activity. Venous congestion in the feet and legs can be best treated by engaging in physical activities. Ideally, you should be getting thirty minutes of exercise five times a week. If you live in Florida, try taking regular walks to help your circulation.
- Wearing compression hosiery. Compression hosiery helps relieve fluid buildup by applying continuous pressure to the legs. They can be purchased online or at many Palm Beach area drug stores.
- Losing weight. Excess weight can contribute to leg pain and varicose veins.
- Avoiding excessive standing. Standing for extended periods of time can make venous congestion and varicose veins worse.
- Elevating the feet. Recline with your legs elevated above your heart for fifteen to thirty minutes to relieve pain and swelling.
- Varicose vein treatment. Surgical removal of veins, Endovenous Laser Treatment, and Sclerotherapy are all options for treating leg pain caused by varicose veins.
