Leg pain, particularly calf pain, is something many people suffer from. However, pinpointing the exact cause of this condition can be challenging. Calf pain can cause a sense of restlessness in the legs and restless legs syndrome. It can also be a symptom of varicose veins, which will be discussed in more detail in this article.

Leg Pain - Calf Pain

Calf pain can occur for various reasons. Among adults experiencing calf pain, it is often associated with a condition known as 'restless legs syndrome' (RLS). This condition is relatively common, and if you suffer from restless legs, you may feel an urge to move your legs and find it hard to remain still.

Restless legs can feel like mild pain in the legs, a sense of restlessness, and heavy legs, which can cause calf pain.

Calf Pain - A Symptom of Varicose Veins

If you suffer from calf pain, it is advisable to have it checked to see if the pain is due to varicose veins. A typical symptom of varicose veins is pain and restlessness in the legs, calf pain, and a feeling of heaviness.

Varicose veins occur due to impaired blood circulation in the legs, causing blood to pool and leading to varicose veins.

When Varicose Veins Develop

In the legs, we have venous valves that ensure blood flows in only one direction. Over time, these venous valves can become defective or worn out. When this condition occurs, the pressure in the veins increases, and blood can pool in the veins, causing varicose veins.

Over time, the condition of varicose veins will worsen, and varicose veins will produce various symptoms.

Who Gets Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins affect about one in three adults and can develop at any point in life. They often occur in older individuals because their venous valves are more worn than those of younger people, as the valves wear out with age. Varicose veins are also common during pregnancy, with the risk increasing with the number of pregnancies.

Varicose veins are largely hereditary, which also influences their occurrence. It is not possible to prevent varicose veins if you are genetically predisposed to them.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

People with varicose veins experience them differently. Some have many symptoms and are greatly troubled by them, while others only have mild pain.

The typical symptoms are:

  • Swelling
  • Calf pain
  • Leg cramps
  • A feeling of heaviness
  • Restlessness in the legs
  • Leg pain

Varicose veins worsen over time, so symptoms can escalate and lead to more serious conditions. These symptoms include:

  • Pigmentation
  • Eczema
  • Venous leg ulcers
  • Blood clots

Many who suffer from varicose veins and troublesome symptoms get used to the daily discomforts such as leg pain and calf pain. It often becomes a part of their daily life to have calf pain, and it becomes evident how much discomfort they actually had when the varicose veins are treated and the symptoms disappear.

Calf Pain - Varicose Vein Treatment Can Help

Research shows that quality of life improves after varicose vein treatment. With varicose vein treatment, varicose veins and their causes are removed, and the symptoms disappear or are minimised. This means that if you suffer from pain and calf pain caused by varicose veins, these can be eliminated after varicose vein treatment.

If you suffer from calf pain, leg pain, restlessness, and a feeling of heaviness, it is advisable to be examined for varicose veins.