You’re not a mountain climber. Or a long-distance runner. Heck, you barely crack the 7,000 steps a day, as recommended in the journal The Lancet Public Health, yet your legs still ache for no apparent reason. Maybe it’s a dull throb that settles in by evening. Maybe your calves feel tight or heavy, even after a day spent sitting. You haven’t injured yourself, so what’s going on?
This kind of unexplained leg discomfort isn’t just annoying; it could be your body’s way of flagging a deeper issue: vein disease. This common and often overlooked condition affects 30 percent of the adult population, according to the American Heart Association Journal Circulation. It's a fairly common condition in older people, with more than 11 million men and 22 million women ages 40- 80 having varicose veins in the United States, according to WebMD.
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our board-certified vein doctors help patients every day who thought their leg discomfort was “just getting older.” The truth is that aching legs are not normal, and you don’t have to live with pain.
If your legs are slowing you down, it’s time to find out why. Schedule a consultation at one of CVR’s 120+ nationwide vein clinics near you and take the first step toward relief with safe, outpatient vein treatment from the nation’s leader in vein care.
In this blog, we’ll explore what might be causing your leg aches and how you can get back to doing all the things you love, without discomfort.
Your body’s veins are responsible for carrying blood back to the heart. In your legs, tiny one-way valves inside the veins help push blood upward, working against gravity. But when those valves weaken or become damaged, blood can pool in the lower legs. This condition is known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
When blood doesn’t flow properly, pressure builds up. This can cause:
According to WebMD, more than 11 million men and 22 million women between the ages of 40 and 80 in the U.S. have varicose veins, a common symptom of CVI. Despite being widespread, CVI is often underdiagnosed, with many people assuming their symptoms are just a regular part of aging.
The good news? Most vein problems, including CVI, can be treated quickly and comfortably with minimally invasive procedures performed right in our vein centers. Whether it’s sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, or another advanced technique, our treatments are designed to get you back on your feet with little to no downtime. There’s no need to wait until your symptoms get worse.
👉 Book your consultation with a CVR vein specialist today and discover how simple relief can be.
It’s natural to expect some soreness after a workout. But if your legs hurt at rest or after standing at work, it could be a sign of vein disease.
Many people are surprised to learn that vein problems can cause pain, even if you don’t see visible varicose veins. This is because the damage starts deep inside the veins—long before bulging or discoloration appears on the skin.
Common causes of venous insufficiency and vein-related leg pain include:
Harvard Medical School also notes that lack of physical activity can slow blood flow, contributing to vein problems and chronic discomfort in the legs. To boost circulation, Harvard recommends:
“Perhaps the best way to avoid circulatory issues — or nip them in the bud — is to walk for progressively longer periods and farther distances."
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that often appear dark blue or purple under the skin. Spider veins are smaller, web-like veins closer to the skin’s surface. While both can be cosmetic concerns, they can also be signs of deeper vein trouble.
They’re caused by the same issue: faulty valves in the veins. Over time, the increased pressure weakens the vein walls and leads to visible swelling or discoloration.
Although these conditions are common, they’re not something you should ignore!
Your legs have worked hard for you your whole life. They deserve the best care possible. Trust the nation’s largest physician-led vein center to treat these valuable assets.
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
Many people delay getting help, thinking their leg pain is “just part of getting older” or something they’ll deal with later. However, untreated vein disease can get worse over time, and may even lead to complications like skin ulcers, blood clots, or reduced mobility.
That’s why it’s essential to talk to a vein expert at the first sign of symptoms.
At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vein doctors will:
Our outpatient procedures, including sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and radiofrequency ablation, are all done in-clinic with no hospital stay required. Most patients return to normal activity the same day.
While not all vein problems can be prevented, there are steps you can take to protect your leg health:
✅ Stay active: Walking and moving your legs throughout the day helps pump blood back to the heart
✅ Elevate your legs: This helps reduce pressure and swelling
✅ Wear compression stockings: Especially if you stand or sit for long periods
✅ Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight adds pressure to your leg veins
✅ Avoid long stretches of inactivity: Take breaks to stretch if you sit or stand for work
Signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment with a Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist include:
Even if your symptoms seem mild, getting a vein health check can give you peace of mind—and catch vein issues early before they get worse.
If your legs are aching for “no reason,” there’s almost always a reason—and it’s treatable. Don’t let vein problems keep you from the active, healthy life you want to live.
At Center for Vein Restoration, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of people feel better, look better, and regain their confidence. With over 120 clinics nationwide, our compassionate vein experts are ready to help you take the first step toward relief. We accept many insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid.
👉 Schedule your consultation today at a CVR clinic near you.
1. What causes varicose veins, and can they lead to leg pain?
Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves in your leg veins that allow blood to pool, leading to swelling and pressure. Over time, this can cause symptoms like aching, heaviness, and cramping in your legs. If left untreated, varicose veins can contribute to chronic venous insufficiency, a more serious condition that can lead to skin changes, ulcers, or blood clots.
2. When should I see a vein doctor for leg pain or swelling?
There’s no need to wait until your symptoms get worse! You should schedule a visit with a board-certified vein specialist as soon as you notice ongoing leg pain, swelling, heaviness, or visible varicose veins or spider veins. These symptoms could be signs of venous insufficiency, which often worsens without treatment. Early diagnosis and outpatient vein treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
3. How is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) diagnosed?
A vein doctor diagnoses chronic venous insufficiency using a physical exam and a non-invasive test called duplex ultrasound, which shows how blood flows through your leg veins. This test helps determine whether your vein valves are working properly and guides the best treatment plan.
4. What is the best treatment for varicose veins and CVI?
The best treatment for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency is very individualized and depends on your symptoms and vein health. At Center for Vein Restoration, we offer a range of minimally invasive outpatient treatments, including (but not limited to) sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and laser therapy. These procedures are safe, effective, and require little to no downtime.
📞 Questions? Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
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