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Varicose veins are broken veins that are allowing blood to fall back down the leg instead of ascending up to the heart causing congestion and pooling in the vein. 25-30% of Americans are affected by varicose veins, and many people are unaware that they may be the cause of their leg pain and heaviness. There are numerous risk factors, but they most often are caused by age, genetics, obesity, prolonged sitting or standing, or hormones. Varicose veins are known to cause chronic leg pain, skin-thickening or discoloration, or even ulcerations that won’t heal if left untreated.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Another reason that your legs may be hurting is from a condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome, which affects 10-15% of Americans. Restless Leg Syndrome is when a patient has the irresistible urge to move their legs in order to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations in the legs. It can be caused by diabetes/neuropathy, kidney failure, anemia, vitamin and mineral deficiency or diseased veins. When the blood pools in unhealthy veins, it can lead to toxic metabolic wastes building up in the veins, causing Restless Leg Syndrome. At Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute, Dr. Cutchen will perform a Doppler Ultrasound test to see if you have unhealthy veins. According to recent studies, some RLS patients have seen a dramatic drop or elimination of their symptoms after treatment of their varicose veins.