If you feel a burning sensation in your leg, consult a vein specialist. It could indicate vein disease. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the burn.
If you have varicose veins, you’re likely familiar with the uncomfortable symptoms often accompanying vein disease, such as pain, swelling, itching, heaviness, and cramping. But did you know that a burning sensation in your leg could also be related to varicose veins?
As with most unpleasant side effects of varicose veins, you can find relief with at-home remedies and treatment. Keep reading to see what you can do to stop the burn.
About 23 percent of the U.S. adult population suffers from varicose veins. The condition is seen more often in women than men, as hormones during pregnancy and menopause can cause varicose veins to form. Common risk factors include age, obesity, genetics, and a sedentary lifestyle.
So what causes varicose veins to develop? Each leg vein has tiny valves that open and close to push blood to the heart. When these valves weaken from the risk factors mentioned above, blood backflows into the vein in a process known as venous reflux. As the pooled blood builds pressure inside the vein, fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing pain, swelling, itching, and a burning sensation.
Some people may not experience any symptoms of varicose veins. But for those that do, reducing the pain, swelling, and burning sensation in the legs is likely a top priority. Try these four tips to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins:
Elevate your legs. When blood pools in your veins, you can get it moving in the right direction back to your heart by elevating your legs. Prop your legs above your heart on a pillow, a table, or against a wall. Do this for as little as 15 minutes daily, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in your varicose veins symptoms.
Exercise. When you sit or stand all day, your blood doesn’t have a chance to circulate, but exercise can help. Even short bursts of activity, such as a 30-minute walk, can promote blood flow in the calves where the blood pooling is most likely to occur. When sitting at your desk, flex your ankles occasionally. Stretching exercises are helpful, too.
Try cold therapy. Heat dilates the veins, worsening the burning and throbbing symptoms. Instead, try cold therapy, such as applying a cold compress, to reduce swelling and pain.
Wear compression stockings. Compression stockings apply gentle pressure to the leg veins and promote smooth blood flow.
While these methods can successfully alleviate the burning sensation and other uncomfortable varicose vein symptoms, surgery is the only way to eliminate the troublesome veins. Today’s varicose vein treatments are all minimally invasive and completed within a brief office visit. The recovery period is short, and you’ll soon experience a better quality of life without burning sensations in your leg.
Don’t wait any longer to treat your varicose veins! Vein disease, the root cause of varicose veins, is a serious vascular disorder that worsens with time.
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our physicians use various proven and safe techniques to eliminate the pain of varicose veins. With medical procedures and lifestyle changes, we can help you overcome every stage of vein disease.
Contact your nearest CVR location today to schedule a consultation or speak to a representative. You may also schedule online at your convenience.
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