Sore Legs for No Reason: What Should I Do?

You Don’t Have Sore Legs For No Reason: Sources Of Unexplained Leg Pain

Pain is often a warning signal that something may be amiss and leg pain is no different. Leg pain is often the result of overuse or orthopedic injury.  Other causes of leg pain include back or spine problems and peripheral artery disease (PAD).  This article takes a closer look at the role venous disease plays in leg pain, particularly blood clots and varicose veins.

Varicose Veins And Leg Pain

Varicose veins are bulging, twisted, and enlarged red or blue veins. Varicose veins are cause by damaged check valves in the veins.  With healthy venous blood flow the check valves enable the blood travels up the healthy veins against the effects of gravity.  When the check valves are not working properly some of the venous blood falls back down the vein when exposed to gravity allowing blood to pool in your legs.

This venous pooling or reflux leads to typical vein disease symptoms including leg pain and those symptoms mentioned previously.  Unfortunately varicose veins are common condition that get worse over time.  When left untreated the risk of serious complications such as blood clots, pain, significant leg swelling and ulceration of the skin increases.

Blood Clots And Sore Legs

Although most leg pain is not life threatening, if you have a clot in the deep veins of your leg (DVT) that is nothing to ignore.   Many blood clots are asymptomatic but it may feel like a charley horse or a pulled muscle. In addition deep vein thrombrosis (DVT) symptoms can cause leg swelling, pain and tenderness, changes in skin color and feelings of warmth.  If you have these symptoms, it’s important to get checked out right away.

Solutions For Sore Legs & Leg Pain Caused By Venous Disease

Undiagnosed DVT can worsen over time and lead to a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), a potentially life-threatening complication.   Blood thinners are prescribed for most DVT’s.  Other DVT’s may be dissolved with clot busting drugs.  Solutions to leg pain associated with blood clots include self-care measures like wearing compression stockings, elevating your legs or losing weight.  There are also minimally invasive medical procedures available, such as sclerotherapy, radiofrequency therapy, laser therapy and light therapy that may be helpful in reducing leg pain, heaviness, and swelling.

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