Medically reviewed by Thomas Militano, MD, PhD, RPVI, on April 5, 2025
Do your legs constantly feel tired and heavy? Do you have leg swelling, pain, discomfort, varicose veins, or skin color changes on your lower legs? Your vein health may be to blame.
If you feel like a weight is dragging down your legs with every step, it could be more than fatigue. While temporary leg heaviness may result from overexertion, chronic leg heaviness is often associated with vein disease, particularly chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Don’t let leg heaviness and discomfort slow you down! Trust the vein health experts at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) to diagnose and treat chronic venous insufficiency with cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healthier, lighter legs!
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the veins serve as a reservoir that can contain up to 75 percent of your blood! That’s why your veins play a crucial role in circulation—after the blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to the body, it returns to the heart through veins.
When the valves inside your leg veins weaken or fail, blood can pool in the lower limbs, causing varicose veins, spider veins, swelling, pain, and a persistent sensation of heaviness.
Take this Center for Vein Restoration vein quiz HERE to understand your vein symptoms better. Find out if vein treatment can address the root cause of your leg heaviness, restore mobility, and improve your overall vein health.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a progressive condition that affects millions, particularly those with risk factors such as:
A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that approximately 25–40 percent of women and 10–20 percent of men suffer from chronic venous disease, including varicose veins and other signs of venous insufficiency. The prevalence increases with age, affecting up to 50 percent of people over the age of 50. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment by a vein specialist to prevent progression and complications.
Another possible cause of leg heaviness is peripheral artery disease (PAD), a circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries—often due to plaque buildup—restrict blood flow to the legs, causing symptoms like leg heaviness, cramping, and pain, especially during activity. According to the Mayo Clinic, because PAD and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can present similar symptoms, it's essential to consult a vascular specialist for an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plan.
If you experience leg heaviness, you may also notice other symptoms that signal an underlying vein condition:
✔️Swelling in the ankles and feet
✔️Aching or cramping in the legs, especially after standing
✔️Visible varicose or spider veins
✔️Skin discoloration, particularly near the ankles
✔️Itchy or irritated skin on the lower legs
According to the National Library of Medicine, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as venous ulcers, infection, and deep vein thrombosis.
If your legs consistently feel heavy, swollen, or achy, consult a vein specialist to determine if you have an underlying vascular condition. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes. A coordinated, interprofessional approach is essential for optimizing care and ensuring long-term success in managing CVI.
✅Elevate your legs – Propping your legs on a pillow or chair helps move pooled blood back to the heart.
✅Wear compression stockings – These snug, elastic garments apply gentle pressure to support circulation.
✅Exercise regularly – Activities like walking, swimming, and biking strengthen calf muscles, which aid blood flow.
✅Limit salt intake – Reducing sodium can help minimize water retention and swelling.
While these measures can alleviate symptoms, they do not cure venous insufficiency. The only definitive treatment for vein disease is minimally invasive vein treatments.
Modern vein treatments are safe, effective, and require little to no downtime. A CVR vein specialist can recommend the best procedure for your condition.
✅Sclerotherapy – A non-surgical injection treatment that collapses small varicose veins and spider veins.
✅Endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) – Uses laser or radiofrequency energy to close diseased veins, redirecting blood to healthier veins.
✅Ambulatory phlebectomy – Removes bulging veins through tiny incisions under local anesthesia. Patients return to their regular activities immediately with few restrictions.
✅Varithena – a small amount of microfoam is injected into diseased veins. The veins collapse, and blood is redirected to healthier nearby veins.
✅VenaSeal™ Closure System – A medical adhesive is injected into diseased veins to seal them shut, providing immediate symptom relief.
Experience the difference expert vein care can make! At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), these outpatient procedures are performed in the comfort of our vein clinic with minimal discomfort— allowing patients to return to their normal activities quickly.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Treating venous insufficiency early can prevent complications and improve the overall quality of life. Some benefits of seeking treatment include:
✔️Reduced leg pain and swelling
✔️Improved circulation and mobility
✔️Elimination of varicose and spider veins
✔️Lower risk of skin ulcers and blood clots
✔️Increased confidence in your appearance
If you experience leg heaviness, pain, or swelling that does not improve with rest or lifestyle changes, it’s time to see a vein physician. Left untreated, vein disease can progress to chronic swelling, skin discoloration, ulcers, and DVT blood clots.
The good news? Effective treatment is available. Experience the difference expert vein care can make! Center for Vein Restoration offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments to address chronic venous insufficiency and its symptoms. Don’t wait—take control of your vein health and schedule an appointment today!
CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.
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