Can Varicose Veins Cause Leg Pain?

Leg pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with varicose veins and often one of the main reasons people seek treatment. The good news is that effective treatments are available, and many patients experience significant relief from their symptoms.

 

Why Do Varicose Veins Cause Leg Pain?

Varicose veins develop when the valves inside the veins stop working properly, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction and collect within the vein. This creates increased pressure inside the veins, particularly in the lower legs.

Over time, this pressure can cause the veins to stretch and enlarge, while also affecting the surrounding tissues. As a result, people may experience symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling and discomfort. Many patients notice these symptoms become worse after standing or sitting for long periods, as blood has a harder time flowing back towards the heart.

Dr Mark Bratby, Medical Director and Consultant Interventional Radiologist at VeinCentre, explains:

“Varicose veins are caused by increased pressure within the veins. This pressure can lead to symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling and discomfort that often become more noticeable as the day progresses.”

 

What Does Varicose Veins Pain Feel Like?

People describe varicose veins pain in different ways, but common symptoms include:

– Aching legs
– A feeling of heaviness
– Throbbing or burning sensations
– Cramping, particularly at night
– Itching around the veins
– Tenderness or soreness
– Restless legs
– Swelling around the ankles

Many patients find symptoms worsen after long periods of standing or sitting and improve when they elevate their legs or keep moving. Many people also find their legs feel better first thing in the morning, with symptoms gradually becoming more noticeable throughout the day.

Pain can also occur around specific areas of the leg. For example, some people experience discomfort behind or around the knee if varicose veins are present in this area. This may feel like aching, tenderness or pressure and can sometimes be mistaken for a joint-related problem.

 

Are Varicose Veins Always Painful?

Not always but painful varicose veins can be a sign that pressure is building within the veins. While some people experience few symptoms, others develop aching, heaviness and discomfort that can affect day-to-day life.

At VeinCentre, we focus on modern walk-in, walk-out treatments that address the underlying cause and provide lasting relief.

 

Varicose Veins Pain Management

If you’re looking for relief, you’re not alone. Many patients try home remedies to ease discomfort from varicose veins and while these strategies can help manage symptoms, they won’t make the veins go away. These self-care measures can help improve circulation and reduce pressure within the veins, which may temporarily ease symptoms.

These self-care tips may provide short-term relief:

– Elevate your legs regularly
– Avoid long periods of standing or sitting
– Wear compression stockings (as advised)
– Apply a cool compress to sore areas
– Engage in gentle, low-impact exercise
– Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight

These methods can help reduce discomfort, but they won’t correct the underlying vein problem. To treat the cause rather than just manage the symptoms, a vein treatment is required.

 

When to Seek Varicose Veins Treatment

You don’t need to wait until symptoms become severe before seeking advice. We recommend speaking to a vascular consultant if:

– Your veins are painful, swollen or tender
– You rely on daily pain relief to manage discomfort
– Your symptoms interfere with work, sleep or daily life
– You’ve noticed skin changes or persistent swelling

At VeinCentre, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. We offer walk-in, walk-out treatments designed to target the underlying cause of varicose vein pain with Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA).

Learn more about varicose veins and available varicose veins treatment.

If you’re struggling with painful varicose veins, our friendly team are here to help. Call us on 01782 753960 Monday to Friday 8am–5pm and Saturday 9am–4pm for advice and support.