Cramping, Itchiness, & Restless Legs: The Hidden Symptoms of Vein Problems

Your veins may actually be the reason that you experience frequent night cramps, restless leg activity, and soreness in your legs. Our patients are often surprised by the symptoms that their veins are causing. Unfortunately, the cosmetic manifestations of vein problems tend to bias our thinking away from the medically significant (and sometimes quite severe) symptoms of venous reflux.

I’ve dealt with my fair share of medical peers and even patients that stigmatize vein treatment as a cosmetic solution only, not knowing that their other symptoms are potentially a consequence of venous reflux, or that treatment today could help them avoid more advanced symptoms down the road. To help correct some of this thinking, we’ve provided a detailed review of the non-visual symptoms of venous reflux.

Leg Pain or Soreness

It is common for venous reflux to be accompanied by general pain or soreness in the lower half of the leg even in the absence of visual vein problems. Leg pain caused by venous reflux may only manifest after walking or running a short distance, limiting physical activity. This pain pattern is sometimes referred to as ‘claudication’ and often resembles a cramping sensation.

Leg Fatigue or Heaviness

As reflux worsens, the affected area may begin to swell as fluid ‘leaks’ from the refluxing veins. Extra fluid on the legs can cause them to feel heavy while walking and tire quickly during physical activity.

Tingling or Numbness

Depending on the severity of reflux, individuals may experience sensations of tingling or numbness similar to the feeling of ‘pins and needles’ or their leg ‘falling sleep.’ These sensations may be clinically described as ‘paresthesia,’ and are typically attributed to nerve changes caused by reflux.

Throbbing or Aching

Some of our patients have described a persistent, unexplained throbbing or aching in their legs that accompanies an inconspicuous vein issue. While these sensations are not always related to venous reflux, a quick ultrasound exam may lead to the discovery of an underlying vein problem.

About The Author

Dr. Dev Batra, M.D. is a vein specialist and founding partner of Texas Vascular Institute. Holding board certifications in Radiology and Vascular & Interventional Radiology, he is well-versed in vein issues and has been voted one of D-Magazine’s best doctors in Dallas for three years running.

This blog post was written with research and editorial assistance from OnChart™.

References

[1] Jacobs, B. N., Andraska, E. A., Obi, A. T., & Wakefield, T. W. (2017). Pathophysiology of varicose veins. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 5(3), 460–467.

[2] Michael H. Criqui, Maritess Jamosmos, Arnost Fronek, Julie O. Denenberg, R., & D. Langer, John Bergan, and B. A. G. (2003). Chronic Venous Disease in an Ethnically Diverse Population The San Diego Population Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 158(5), 448-456. PMC 2015 Jan 6.

[3] Allen, R. E., & Kirby, K. A. (2012). Nocturnal leg cramps. American Family Physician, 86(4), 350–355.

[4] Hayes, C. A., Kingsley, J. R., Hamby, K. R., & Carlow, J. (2008). The effect of endovenous laser ablation on restless legs syndrome. Phlebology, 23(3), 112–117.

Medical Disclaimer

The Materials available in the Texas Vascular Institute blog (“The Vein Blog”) are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients.