Medically reviewed by Michael Harding, MD, FACC, DABLM, ABVM, RPVI, RPhs, on August 6, 2025
Everyone experiences leg pain from time to time, whether it's after a long day on their feet, an intense workout, dehydration, or even ill-fitting footwear. But what if you have leg pain that lingers, worsens, or appears alongside other troubling symptoms like swelling, visible varicose veins, or skin changes? It may be time to talk to a vein specialist.
Why is it important to have your leg pain assessed by a vein expert?
Because leg pain can be a red flag for venous insufficiency, a specific type of venous disease is a common condition that impacts blood flow in your legs. Understanding when to be concerned about the cause of leg pain could help you prevent more serious complications, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and skin ulcers.
To better understand when leg pain signals a deeper issue, we consulted with a board-certified vein specialist, Dr. Michael Harding, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His expert insight helps clarify which symptoms can wait, and which ones should prompt a visit to a vein doctor. Here’s what he shared about how vein disease often hides in plain sight.
📅To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Harding in Albuquerque, New Mexico, CLICK HERE
📅To schedule an appointment at any of CVR’s 120+ vein centers nationwide, CLICK HERE
Mild leg pain often stems from muscle overuse, minor strains, or cramps. These usually resolve with rest, hydration, and self-care. But certain symptoms should prompt a visit to a board-certified vein doctor, such as:
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, trust the nation's largest physician-led vein center, Center for Vein Restoration, to provide the expert evaluation and advanced treatment you need to get lasting relief.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak with 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.
Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins that usually develop in the legs due to weakened or damaged vein valves. When these valves don’t close properly, blood pools in the lower extremities, increasing pressure inside the veins. This leads to inflammation, swelling, and discomfort.
Symptoms of varicose veins include:
Left untreated, varicose veins can progress to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). According to a report published by the National Library of Medicine (NIH):
“An estimated 10% to 35% of adults have CVI in the US, with 4% of adults aged 65 years or older developing venous ulcers. Results across studies suggest that in the general population, between 1% and 17% of men and 1% and 40% of women may experience chronic venous insufficiency.”
One of the most alarming signs that vein problems may be to blame for your leg pain is the development of skin changes. These can include:
These signs may indicate stasis dermatitis, a form of eczema caused by poor circulation due to venous insufficiency. Stasis dermatitis most often appears around the ankles and shins. It is marked by red, brown, or purple discoloration, thickened or itchy skin, and, in severe cases, oozing or open sores. Stasis dermatitis typically affects adults over age 50, especially those with varicose veins, obesity, high blood pressure, or a history of leg injuries or vein surgeries.
According to the National Eczema Association, while not contagious, it can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated. If left untreated, this condition can escalate into non-healing ulcers, which are not only painful but can also lead to infections and long-term disability.
If you’re noticing swelling, skin discoloration, or persistent itching in your lower legs, these could be early signs of stasis dermatitis or venous insufficiency. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications like open sores or lasting skin changes. At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vein specialists use advanced diagnostics to uncover the root cause of your symptoms. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healthier legs.
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
Swelling in one leg, especially when accompanied by pain, warmth, or skin discoloration, may signal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a dangerous blood clot that forms deep in the leg. If a DVT breaks free, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially fatal event.
Warning signs of DVT include:
Any of these symptoms warrants emergency care.
Skip the ER and get quick DVT testing at Center for Vein Restoration
If you're experiencing signs of a blood clot, Center for Vein Restoration provides fast, expert evaluations for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), without the long emergency room wait. As the nation’s largest physician-led vein care provider, we offer a convenient, cost-effective alternative for those in need of urgent vein care.
Our comprehensive DVT services include on-site diagnostic imaging, immediate treatment when necessary, customized education, and coordinated follow-up care. For fast access to care, call CVR’s dedicated DVT hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).
If your vein problems are causing pain, swelling, or lifestyle limitations, the good news is: vein treatment is effective, minimally invasive, and widely available.
These procedures are usually completed in under an hour with minimal downtime. Patients can drive themselves to and from vein treatment appointments and return to normal activities immediately, with few restrictions.
Learn what’s causing your leg pain and what you can do to find relief fast. Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule below⬇️
Make an appointment with a vein specialist if you are experiencing:
Even if your symptoms seem mild, early intervention can help you prevent varicose veins from worsening and protect your vascular health long-term. According to the Society of Vascular Surgery, if left untreated, varicose veins can get worse and cause leg aches, fatigue, and skin changes like rashes, redness, leg swelling, blood clots, or sores.
Leg pain isn’t something you have to live with. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is here to help you understand the causes of varicose veins, develop a personalized care plan, and reclaim your mobility and comfort.
CVR is the nation’s leader in vein health, offering expert care from board-certified vein doctors at over 120 locations across the U.S. Our minimally invasive procedures are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Whether you're trying to prevent varicose veins, manage chronic vein disease, or find out once and for all why your legs ache, CVR is your trusted partner in vascular wellness.
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