Nearly everyone gets leg pain or aches from time to time, but if the cause isn’t something apparent like an injury from a fall or due to overuse, it may be important to discover some of the common causes of leg pain in seniors. Leg pain or aches can be due to a wide variety of causes, including varicose veins, blood clots, skin ulcers, and other conditions associated with venous insufficiency.
Varicose veins are one of the most common causes of leg pain and are often described as pain, heaviness, or a deep ache with varying degrees of pain. These blue or purple looking veins are typically found on the legs and feet, and are often swollen, bulging, twisted or lumpy in appearance. However, if the vein is deep within the body, it may be invisible. When this occurs, it is common to suffer with the discomfort for a long time before discovering that varicose veins are the hidden cause.
When varicose veins form blood clots close to the skin surface, the condition is called thrombophlebitis. Blood clots occur when the blood thickens and becomes gelatinous, disrupting the normal blood flow. This can cause pain, heat, tingling, discoloration, temperature changes in the leg, or hardness.
Deeper clots can cause a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT symptoms may include deep constant pain and swelling, cramping, aching tenderness, skin warmth, and discoloration. A blood clot left untreated in the leg can become an immediate risk for pulmonary embolism, a sudden blockage in a lung artery that is life-threatening.
Varicose veins can also be responsible for an itchy, inflamed rash, typically on the lower leg or ankle. A skin ulcer may develop or the skin may tear, which can be extremely painful. Veins can also burst and cause blood to pool in the area.
A varicose vein specialist can diagnose if your leg pain is a symptom of varicose veins, varicose veins bleeding, clotting, leg ulcers or other indications of venous insufficiency. It’s vital to seek medical advice when leg pain is sudden or persistent.
Although varicose veins may not be preventable, treating varicose veins is available through two highly-effective options known as endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy. Laser surgery for varicose veins utilizes no scalpels or sutures, so there are no long-lasting scars or keloids. There’s minimal discomfort, and most treatments are characterized as being virtually painless.
With these modern therapies, most people can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. Additionally, most major health insurance carriers provide coverage for the treatment of vein disease and venous insufficiency when medically necessary.
If you would like more information regarding leg pain, vein disease or laser surgery for varicose veins, please contact the Goldman Vein Institute today at one of our two convenient locations:
Jupiter 561-625-9853 or Wellington 561-790-4550 or visit us at www.goldmanveininstitute.com.
At the Goldman Vein Institute, our mission is to provide our patients with comprehensive care for varicose veins, spider veins, and other conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Our highly-qualified and experienced, board-certified vein specialists, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese-Goldman, combine their extensive knowledge and experience, with the latest innovations in vein treatments.
With our offices in Jupiter and Wellington Florida, the Goldman Vein Institute serves patients from Stuart, Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Hialeah, Sunny Isles, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Aventura, Surfside, Hallandale, and Hollywood, and we welcome patients across South Florida to visit our state-of-the-art vein centers, where we provide the latest in vein treatment technology.
