Arteries vs. Veins: Understanding Leg Circulation and Common Vein Problems

Medically reviewed by Mohamed T. Hassan, MD, DABVLM, RPVI, on April 2, 2025

Many people experience leg pain, swelling, or skin changes, but not everyone understands whether the problem is coming from their arteries or veins. Arteries and veins both carry blood, but they function very differently and can develop unique health problems.

If you’ve even been told you have a “clogged vein” or a “leaky vein,” it’s important to know what this means and seek the right treatment.

To explain these common circulation issues and their impact on health, we consulted Dr. Mohamed Hassan, an experienced vein specialist at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinics in Hoover, Alabama, and Trussville, Alabama. Dr. Hassan helps patients understand the differences between arterial and venous conditions, providing expert vein care for those with leg vein-related concerns.

✅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hassan in Hoover, Alabama, CLICK HERE.

✅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hassan in Trussville, Alabama, CLICK HERE.

✅Don’t live near Trussville or Hoover, Alabama? Call 240-881-0482 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at one of 110+ CVR vein clinics near you.

According to Dr. Hassan, leg circulation issues can be best explained in these simple terms:

• Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the legs. They work under high pressure and have thick walls to handle the force of blood flow.
• Veins carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. They rely on one-way valves and muscle contractions to keep blood moving against gravity.

When arteries or veins don’t work correctly, they can cause different problems. Understanding these differences can help you determine whether you need to see a vein specialist or a different type of doctor for proper care.

Serious Circulation Issues Need Serious Expertise

At Center for Vein Restoration, we don’t just treat surface symptoms—we provide thorough, expert evaluations to make sure your veins are functioning properly. If you’re unsure whether your leg symptoms are vein-related, let our experienced providers guide you to the right care. Your legs—and your life—are worth it. Schedule your vein evaluation today.

Clogged Artery vs. Clogged Vein vs. Leaky Vein

Many patients use these terms interchangeably when referring to different medical conditions. Because these terms can have different meanings, miscommunication can occur between the doctor and patient. That’s why it’s essential to understand the differences, allowing you to communicate your concerns clearly and receive the necessary help.

1. Clogged Artery (Peripheral Artery Disease - PAD)

A “clogged artery” happens when plaque builds up inside the arteries, reducing blood flow to the legs. This condition is called peripheral artery disease (PAD) and can cause:

• Leg pain while walking (claudication) that improves with rest
• Cold feet or pale skin
• Slow-healing wounds
• Gangrene (tissue death) in severe cases

Why It’s Serious: Blocked arteries limit the oxygen and nutrients your legs need to stay healthy. Left untreated, PAD can lead to severe complications, including amputation.

Treatment Options: PAD treatments focus on improving blood flow and may include:

• Lifestyle changes (exercise, diet)
• Medications to lower cholesterol and improve circulation
• Procedures like angioplasty, arterial stenting, or bypass surgery

2. Clogged Vein (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT)

A “clogged vein” usually refers to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg. Symptoms include:

• Sudden swelling in one leg
• Pain or tenderness, often in the calf
• Red or warm skin

Why It’s Serious: A DVT can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition that requires emergency treatment.

Treatment Options:

• Blood thinners to prevent clot growth
• Compression therapy to reduce swelling
• Vein procedures like venoplasty or vein stenting in some cases

Remember that blood clots can be life-threatening, and early intervention is essential. That’s why Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) offers a same-day DVT-rule-out service. Our hotline is 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).

3. Leaky Vein (Chronic Venous Insufficiency - CVI)

A “leaky vein” refers to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which occurs when vein valves weaken or become damaged. Instead of pushing blood back to the heart, these veins allow blood to pool in the legs, leading to:

• Swelling and heaviness in the legs
• Varicose veins and spider veins
• Skin discoloration (brown or reddish spots on the legs)
• Leg ulcers (open wounds that won’t heal)

Why It’s Serious: If left untreated, CVI can lead to worsening pain, skin damage, and ulcers that are difficult to heal.

Treatment Options: Minimally invasive treatments at Center for Vein Restoration can restore circulation and relieve symptoms. Your vein treatment plan is personalized for your unique needs and can include:

• Compression therapy (support stockings)
• Sclerotherapy for spider veins
• Vein ablation (laser or radiofrequency treatment)
• Medical adhesive to close diseased veins

When Should You See a Vein Doctor?

If you’re experiencing persistent leg swelling, pain, or visible veins, it’s important to visit a vascular specialist who can help diagnose your condition and recommend the best outpatient treatment options to restore circulation and improve your quality of life.

Here’s when to seek help:

✅ Symptoms of CVI (Leaky Vein): Heaviness, aching, varicose veins, or skin discoloration? Schedule a consultation with a vein specialist at the Center for Vein Restoration.

🚨 Symptoms of DVT (Clogged Vein): Sudden leg swelling, pain, or redness? Seek immediate medical attention—DVT can lead to PE, which can be life-threatening.

🛑 Symptoms of PAD (Clogged Artery): Leg pain while walking that improves with rest? You may need an arterial evaluation

Take Care of Your Leg Health and Improve Your Quality of Life!

Not all leg pain is the same. If walking leaves you feeling achy, swollen, or sore, it’s essential to determine whether you’re dealing with an arterial or a venous issue. Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can lead to serious complications.

At Center for Vein Restoration, we specialize in fast, accurate diagnosis and customized care plans designed to treat vein problems causing your leg discomfort. With over 110 locations nationwide, relief is closer than you think. Call 240-965-3915 or schedule online now.