Legs Feel Heavy? It Could Be Varicose Veins
Vascular Doctors Work to Improve Blood Flow and Manage Poor Circulation
Vascular surgeon, Sathish Mohan, MD, examines a patient at Duke Vascular Specialists of Raleigh.
If your legs routinely feel heavy, especially after sitting or standing in one position for a long time, the culprit may surprise you. According to Duke Health vascular surgeon Sathish Mohan, MD, varicose veins is a common cause. “Most people think varicose veins are only a cosmetic concern, but this condition can progress to cause significant discomfort, including feeling like your legs are made of lead,” Dr. Mohan said. “The good news is there are things we can do to help.”
Varicose Veins are Type of Venous Disease
Varicose veins are a type of venous disease -- when blood flows backward or pools, usually in the legs and feet, due to weak or damaged veins. (Venous disease is different from vascular disease, which includes issues with veins and arteries.)
In some people, varicose veins can present as harmless spider veins -- thin blood vessels close to the skin’s surface that can appear blue, red, or purple -- or progress to more severe circulation problems, like bulging veins, leg swelling, and skin ulcers that can be limb-threatening or even life-threatening.
What Types of Doctors Treat Venous Disease?
Vascular surgeons like Dr. Mohan and physician assistants or nurse practitioners who specialize in vein care are the experts when it comes to varicose veins and other types of venous disease.
"Seeing a surgeon doesn't mean you're destined for surgery," said Dr. Mohan, who stressed that conservative treatments like compression garments and lifestyle changes may be all that's needed. "For people who haven't seen improvement with those options, surgery can be incredibly effective."
Surgical options range from minimally invasive ablation procedures and injections that help improve blood flow to more invasive surgery to remove problematic veins.
When Should I See a Vascular Doctor for Heavy Legs?
If you're on the fence about whether to see a vascular doctor, Dr. Mohan suggests asking yourself this: "Do you feel significantly inhibited on a daily basis because of your symptoms? If the answer is yes, it's time to make an appointment." Expect to spend time talking with your provider about your symptoms and learning about treatment options so you can make an informed decision. In the meantime, it won't hurt to start wearing compression stockings, said Dr. Mohan.
Seek Care at an Experienced Vascular Center
Duke Health vascular doctors routinely treat cases of venous disease that range from routine to very complex. When needed, we work with other specialists to care for you comprehensively. This may include cardiologists, wound care specialists, physical therapists, and others.
"Our goal is to improve your quality of life," Dr. Mohan said. "When we can help patients go from not being able to do their jobs properly because of their condition to taking care of their symptoms and really improving their day-to-day, it's incredibly gratifying."
