Leg pain is a common complaint and may occur due to leg injuries or life-threatening disorders, such as peripheral artery disease. If you experience recurrent leg pain that worsens over time, you may need immediate medical attention. If you’re looking for treatments for leg pain in Tomball, visit Northwest Houston Heart Center today.

What Causes Leg Pain?

Leg pain may occur due to musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis and leg injuries. Vascular disorders are also among the many causes of leg pain. Vascular diseases that may result in leg pain include:

·                     Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Chronic venous insufficiency is a vascular disorder that occurs due to a malfunction in your valves. This condition restricts blood flow from your legs back to your heart, causing the blood to accumulate in your leg veins. Chronic venous insufficiency is not a life-threatening disorder, but it can be excruciatingly painful and in some cases, may limit mobility. Some of the common symptoms of CVI include swelling in your legs, pain when engaging in physical activities that stop after resting, varicose veins, feeling of tightness in your calves, excruciating leg cramps, and restless legs syndrome. If left untreated, CVI may advance and cause skin pigmentation, blisters, and ulcers that are difficult to heal. In most cases, the patients tend to have a medical history of vein disease. You can also develop CVI due to an occupation that involves long-standing periods, especially after childbirth.

·                     Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis is usually a manifestation of venous thromboembolism that occurs when a blood clot develops in the deep veins of your body, restricting blood flow. The clot may travel to your heart or even clog your lungs, leading to life-threatening complications, such as pulmonary embolism. DVT is easily treatable if diagnosed early.

·                     Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

You may be at risk of developing peripheral artery disease if you have atherosclerosis in your leg arteries. Atherosclerosis occurs due to a build-up of fatty plaque that blocks and hardens your arteries, restricting blood flow to your legs. Insufficient blood in your legs causes claudication, which may result in leg pain.

·                     Leg Ulcers

Vein disorders such as chronic venous insufficiency and peripheral artery disease may cause ulcers and wounds on your legs that may be painful. Chronic ulcers develop due to tissue breakdown, leading to open, raw and excruciating wounds. Additionally, you may notice skin discoloration and swelling on the affected leg.

What Are the Available Treatment Options for Leg Pain?

During your visit to Northwest Houston Heart Center, the professional team conducts a comprehensive physical exam to determine the underlying cause of your leg pain. After analyzing the results from your tests, the team creates a personalized treatment plan that may include:

·                     Clot-busting medication (thrombolysis).

·                     Endovenous radiofrequency ablation.

·                     Intravenous or oral coagulant medication.

·                     Statin to reduce cholesterol levels.

·                     Sclerotherapy.

·                     Endovenous laser therapy.

·                     Minimally invasive peripheral angioplasty, atherectomy, or stent.

If leg pain restricts your mobility, contact Northwest Houston Heart Center or make an appointment online for proper diagnosis.