Should You Be Concerned About Leg Pain After Long Periods of Standing Or Sitting

Should You Be Concerned About Leg Pain After Long Periods of Standing or Sitting?
When you experience pain anywhere in the body, it is a sign that something is wrong. Pain is not a condition in itself, but it is a symptom that should be brought to the attention of a doctor when it is recurring. Leg pain is typically a sign of venous insufficiency, especially if it is worst after extended periods of sitting and standing.

Why it hurts
If venous insufficiency is the cause of your leg pain, you will notice the pain most when you have not been active on your feet for extended periods of time. This occurs because venous insufficiency causes blood to pool in the veins of the legs. When you are inactive, blood will move more slowly through the veins, so more fluid will build up than when you are moving. As you get your blood pumping by moving from a seated or standing position, you may feel pain develop or worsen because of the added weight and pressure in the legs.

What kind of pain is it?
Leg pain is generally described by patients with venous insufficiency as a burning, cramping, or tingling that tends to improve after a short walk. Pain is often isolated to the calves and feet, but it may be felt in the thighs as well. Swelling can accompany pain, especially if the pain has persisted for an extended period.

What to do for relief
In order to determine the exact cause of your leg pain, you should visit a doctor specializing in the treatment of venous disorders, a Phlebologist. While it is likely that venous insufficiency is the cause, there are several other conditions to rule out before treatment takes place. You might also invest in compression stockings to wear until a more permanent treatment is recommended.

With the caring staff at Chicago Vein Institute, you can feel at ease about your leg pain and find the most advanced minimally-invasive treatments available to treat your symptoms. Schedule an appointment to discuss your leg pain by calling or browsing our website here.

Get in touch with our North Center location at 773-231-9884 or our Downtown Chicago location at 312-234-0750.