Medically reviewed by Paul S. Putterman, MD, on June 9, 2025
A burning sensation in your leg might seem like a minor annoyance, but when it lingers or worsens, it could be your body’s way of signaling an underlying health issue. One common but often overlooked cause is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), also known as vein disease.
NOTE: A burning, itching sensation in your leg may be more than a nuisance and could signal a deeper vascular issue.
If you've also noticed varicose veins, spider veins, swelling, or heaviness, this blog will help you understand whether your symptoms are linked to vein problems and when it’s time to see a vein specialist.
For this blog, we consulted with Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein expert, Paul S. Putterman, MD. Dr. Putterman is a lead physician at CVR locations in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Gastonia, North Carolina. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Putterman or any of CVR’s 110+ vein health specialists, click below:
The expert vein physicians at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) use state-of-the-art tools to diagnose and treat vein problems with precision and care. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen and become a painful leg ulcer or dangerous DVT blood clot! Schedule your vein consultation today.
📞 Call CVR at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic venous insufficiency develops when the valves in your leg veins stop functioning correctly. This allows blood to pool in the veins, a process known as venous reflux, leading to increased pressure that can stretch the vein walls and irritate the surrounding nerves. The result? Pain, cramping, swelling, itching, spider veins, and a burning sensation, especially after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
People with varicose veins, which are twisted, bulging veins near the skin’s surface, often experience burning or heaviness in the legs. These symptoms can become more intense as the day progresses or during warm weather, when veins dilate.
Pro Tip: Dr. Putterman reminds us that spider veins may seem like a cosmetic issue, but they can be an early sign of chronic venous insufficiency. Even if you don’t have large, bulging veins, it’s important to get evaluated if you notice spider veins and experience leg discomfort, as early treatment can prevent worsening vein disease.
Roughly 24 percent of U.S. adults live with varicose veins, with an estimated six percent having evidence of advanced chronic venous disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Women are more likely to develop them, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal shifts. Other risk factors include:
If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious complications, including venous ulcers, skin discoloration, and superficial thrombophlebitis. These complications can contribute to or worsen burning leg sensations.
If you’re feeling a persistent burn in your legs, especially with visible veins, swelling, heaviness, or even a few spider veins, it may be more than just discomfort. Chronic venous insufficiency is a progressive condition that deserves prompt, expert attention.
At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified specialists utilize advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments to alleviate symptoms and promote leg health. Relief is closer than you think.
📞 Call CVR at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
If at-home remedies don’t resolve your discomfort or if the burning sensation worsens, it’s time to consult a vein expert.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), early diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous insufficiency can prevent complications and significantly improve your quality of life. The longer vein disease goes untreated, the greater the risk for blood clots, ulcers, or permanent skin changes:
“CVI is not a benign disorder and carries enormous morbidity. Without correction, the condition is progressive. Venous ulcers are common and very difficult to treat. Even with treatment, recurrences are common if venous hypertension persists. Nearly 60% develop phlebitis, which often progresses to deep vein thrombosis in more than 50% of patients.”– National Library of Medicine
A Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist will perform a non-invasive ultrasound to assess blood flow in your legs and identify any venous reflux. Based on the diagnosis, they may recommend one of several minimally invasive vein treatments, such as:
All procedures are done in-office with minimal discomfort and downtime. You can drive yourself to and from the procedure and resume regular activity immediately with few restrictions.
While vein disease is a leading cause, it’s not the only possible explanation for burning in the legs. Here are other conditions to consider:
Peripheral Neuropathy
Commonly caused by diabetes, alcohol abuse, or vitamin B12 deficiency, this nerve disorder causes burning, tingling, or numbness in the legs and feet.
Sciatica
Pressure on the sciatic nerve, often from a herniated disc, can lead to burning, radiating leg pain.
Meralgia Paresthetica
Compression of a nerve in the outer thigh can result in localized burning, tingling, or numbness.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Low levels of B vitamins, especially B12 and B6, can damage nerves and lead to burning sensations.
Skin Conditions
Rashes, infections, or inflammation-like eczema or cellulitis-can cause skin to feel like it’s burning.
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
A rare but painful condition that often follows injury and causes burning pain, swelling, and skin sensitivity.
If your burning sensation comes with unusual symptoms, spreads beyond the legs, or doesn’t improve with basic interventions, consult a primary care professional to rule out these other possibilities.
Whether you sit at a desk or stand all day, your job may contribute to varicose veins and leg discomfort.
Both habits can exacerbate symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, and burning.
If you're experiencing a burning sensation in your leg and suspect it might be vein-related, here are four vein specialist–approved ways to reduce your symptoms and support long-term vein health:
1. Elevate Your Legs
The Mayo Clinic recommends leg elevation as a first-line remedy to improve blood flow. By elevating your legs above the level of your heart (rest your legs on three or four pillows), you reduce pressure in the leg veins and help move pooled blood back toward your heart. Aim for at least 15–30 minutes of leg elevation once or twice a day.
2. Get Moving
Regular movement, especially walking, stimulates calf muscle contractions, which naturally help pump blood upward. Even if you work at a desk, do periodic ankle rolls and calf stretches to reduce venous pressure. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long.
3. Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings apply controlled pressure to your legs, helping the veins and leg muscles circulate blood more efficiently. Your Center for Vein Restoration vein doctor can recommend the appropriate level of compression tailored to your specific needs.
“Patients will often complain that they can't wear compression garments because they hurt or don't fit correctly. They should be made aware that we can prescribe medical-grade compression garments tailored to the correct size of their legs. They will be more comfortable and help considerably with their symptoms until they receive treatment.” –Dr. Paul S. Putterman
If you don’t have a CVR vein doctor, CVR’s telemedicine providers are here to help. Call your local Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic or speak to a Patient Services Representative at 240-965-3915 to help schedule a virtual appointment.
4. Apply Cold, Not Heat
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.
At-home remedies can help, but they don’t replace expert care. If you’ve tried elevation, compression, or cold therapy and still feel burning in your leg, it’s time to consult a vein expert. Center for Vein Restoration offers comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans to help you get back on your feet, without the burn.
Whether you're working a desk job, chasing after toddlers, or standing on your feet all day, your legs do a lot for you. When they hurt, especially with burning sensations, it's time to return the favor.
Contact Center for Vein Restoration today to schedule your consultation with a board-certified vein specialist near you. Major insurance plans are accepted.
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Varicose Veins require treatment to resolve. With so many treatment options out there and claims made by non-medical companies it is hard to know what treatment is best. We put together a complete guide to understanding varicose veins treatment options.
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