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Sciatica or Varicose Vein Disease: How to Tell the Difference

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Medically reviewed by Theresa M. Soto, MD, FACS, RPVI, DABVLM, on February 1, 2025

Back pain can be a frustrating and disruptive experience, impacting your daily life and overall well-being. But when leg pain accompanies your back problems, it might leave you wondering if your discomfort is due to sciatica or something entirely different, like varicose vein disease.

While both conditions can cause pain in similar areas, they stem from different underlying issues and require different treatments. Understanding the difference between the two can help you find the right solution to ease your discomfort.

Expert Insights on Vein Disease Symptoms and Treatment

To help clarify the signs of vein disease and how it differs from other conditions, we consulted Dr. Theresa M. Soto, Director of Clinical Affairs at the Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) and lead physician at CVR’s Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Fairfax, Virginia, vein clinics. With extensive expertise in venous and lymphatic medicine, Dr. Soto shares her insights into identifying vein disease symptoms.

If you’re ready to finally address your leg pain caused by varicose vein disease, including aching, itching, feelings of heaviness, or restless legs syndrome, schedule an appointment with the leaders in vein care at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR). Early treatment can ease your symptoms and prevent further complications, helping you enjoy a healthier, more active life.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Soto in Fredericksburg, Virginia, CLICK HERE

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Soto in Fairfax, Virginia, CLICK HERE

To schedule a consultation at any of CVR’s other 110+ venin clinic locations, call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule below.

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What Causes Back Pain?

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH), back pain is among the most frequent health issues in the United States. Thirty-nine percent of adults have experienced back pain in the previous three months, and eight percent of American adults say they have chronic back pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Causes range from muscle strain and poor posture to more serious conditions like sciatica.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the legs, becomes irritated or compressed. This can result in sharp, radiating pain in the lower back, buttocks, and one leg.

What Causes Varicose Vein Pain?

Varicose vein disease, on the other hand, isn’t caused by nerve problems but by issues in your leg veins. A common form of chronic venous disease is the disorder encompassing spider veins, reticular veins, and larger varicosities.

According to the AHA/ASA Journal Circulation, vein disease affects approximately 23 percent of US adults. However, this prevalence increases to 80 percent of men and 85 percent of women when smaller spider veins are included. Varicose veins are more frequent in women and older adults, with 22 million women and 11 million men aged 40 to 80 affected. Of these, 2 million may develop symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, including venous ulcers.

Weak or damaged vein valves can lead to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where blood pools in the veins of the legs instead of flowing back to the heart. This can result in painful, bulging varicose veins or tiny spider veins, along with symptoms like swelling, aching, and heaviness in the legs.

Signs of Sciatica vs. Varicose Vein Disease

Here’s how to tell the difference between sciatica and varicose vein disease:

Sciatica Symptoms

  • Pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down one leg
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or sudden movements

Vein Disease Symptoms

  • Aching, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs, often after standing or sitting for long periods
  • Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
  • Visible varicose veins or spider veins
  • Skin changes, such as discoloration or venous ulcers near the ankles

If you’re experiencing both back problems and leg pain, consulting with a vein doctor about vein disease symptoms and possibly a spine specialist about numbness in the lower back and buttocks can help identify the root cause of your discomfort.

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs!

Don't wait for your symptoms to worsen if you're experiencing leg pain, swelling, or visible varicose veins. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is America’s leading physician-led vein center and the expert in diagnosing and treating vein disease. Our experienced vein specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of your leg pain and provide effective, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your needs.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.

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Why It’s Important to Get the Right Diagnosis

Misdiagnosing vein disease as sciatica, or vice versa, can lead to unnecessary treatments and prolonged discomfort. For example, if you undergo physical therapy for sciatica but your leg pain is caused by venous insufficiency, your symptoms are unlikely to improve. Similarly, vein treatment won't alleviate nerve pain caused by sciatica.

A vein specialist can use diagnostic tools like ultrasound imaging to determine if vein problems are contributing to your pain. This simple, non-invasive test provides a clear view of your veins and helps identify any blockages or valve issues.

When to See a Vein Doctor vs. a Back Doctor or Chiropractor

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a vein specialist:

  • Persistent leg pain that worsens after standing or sitting
  • Swelling in the legs or ankles
  • Visible varicose veins or spider veins
  • Skin changes or non-healing sores near the ankles

A board-certified CVR vein physician can provide a personalized evaluation and recommend treatments to improve your symptoms and prevent complications. Call 240-965-3915 to schedule your appointment.

Vein Treatment Options

Fortunately, modern treatment options for vein disease are minimally invasive and highly effective. Depending on your condition, your vein doctor may recommend:

  • Sclerotherapy: An injection-based treatment that closes off small varicose veins and spider veins.
  • Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): These treatments use heat energy to seal off problematic veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
  • VenaSeal: A medical adhesive that closes diseased veins without the need for heat or incisions.

These procedures are performed as an outpatient with little to no downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities quickly. Treatments usually take an hour or less to complete, and patients can drive themselves home because no general anesthesia is required.

Prevent Varicose Vein Pain

While some risk factors for vein disease, such as genetics, sex, or age, are out of your control, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and prevent varicose vein pain:

  1. Stay Active: Regular exercise improves circulation and helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing pressure on your veins.
  2. Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Take breaks to move around and stretch, especially if your job requires long hours of sitting or standing.
  3. Elevate Your Legs: When resting, prop your legs up to encourage blood flow back to the heart.
  4. Wear Compression Stockings: These garments help support your veins and improve circulation.
  5. Maintain a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports vein health and prevents weight gain

Relief From Leg Pain Is Closer Than You Think

With convenient locations across the country, Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) makes it easy to find expert vein care near you for your vein problems. From your first consultation to your final treatment, our compassionate team is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

Don’t let vein disease hold you back—schedule an appointment today and start your journey toward pain-free, healthier legs.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

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