In Venice, FL, leg pain at night makes sleep fitful, or non-existent. From the tossing and turning to wakefulness caused by restless leg syndrome (RLS), leg pain—especially when sleeping—affects a person’s entire health.
Florida Lakes Vein Center offers solutions for leg pain, so that you can sleep better, feel better, function better, and best of all—get back to living your life at its best. Request a vein screening, or contact us for more information, and read on about the causes of and treatments for leg pain at night in Venice, FL.
Treatments for Nighttime Leg Pain
Chronic venous disease (CVD) can either directly cause, or contribute to, nighttime leg pain. CVD refers to a range of conditions caused by impaired blood flow in the veins.
The issues usually stem from broken/failing valves in the veins. These valves work to keep blood flowing in the right direction. When this fails, blood pools in the veins. The increased pressure distends the veins and weakens their walls.
Chronic venous diseases primarily affect the legs. The following are the most common issues we’ve treated for leg pain at night in Venice.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is the medical term for blood clots in deeper veins. DVT usually strikes one leg instead of both.
DVT is characterized by any/all of the following:
- Swelling. Swelling may occur suddenly or build up over time. It’s often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the affected leg.
- Pain/Tenderness. We see this occur most often in the calf of the affected leg. It can sometimes feel like a muscle cramp or charley horse.
- Warmth. The skin over the affected area may feel warm to the touch compared to the surrounding skin. This warmth is due to increased blood flow and inflammation in the affected vein.
- Discoloration. Skin may turn reddish or bluish in the affected area, usually above the clot.
- Visible Veins. Veins affected by this deeper clot may become more visible or prominent under the skin (spider veins, varicose veins).
- Pitting Edema. Severe swelling may cause pitting edema. You can observe this issue by pressing on the swollen area. If it leaves a temporary indentation, that’s a sign of pitting edema.
Related topic: General leg pain treatment in Venice, FL.
DVT Treatments
Your treatment plan for leg pain at night in Venice may include:
- Anticoagulant Medications. These prescriptions can help prevent the clot from getting larger.
- Compression Stocking Therapy. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Varicose Veins
These distended, ropey veins bulge out from under the skin. Varicose veins, also known as varicosities, can be bluish, reddish, or purple in color.
Varicose veins cause a number of leg pain issues at all hours, including:
- Nighttime leg cramps
- Itching or burning discomfort
- Skin color changes around the veins
- Leg swelling
- Aching pain
- Heaviness in the legs/feet
Varicose Vein Treatment
To address leg pain at night, our varicose vein treatments may include:
- Vein Sealants. Varithena and VenaSeal inject treatment-specific medical sealants into the varicose vein, closing it so blood redirects into healthier veins. Over time the body absorbs and disposes of the damaged vein.
- Vein Sclerosants. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant (irritant) into the varicose vein, causing the walls to swell and the vein to seal shut. Blood diverts to healthier veins, and the sealed vein dissolves.
- Compression Therapy. Compression stocking may be prescribed to improve blood flow while reducing swelling and pain.
Lymphedema
As part of the body’s circulatory system, your lymphatic system moves fluids (blood, lymph, excess fluids and proteins) throughout the body. This movement can help nourish cells, heal wounds and/or fight infections, and dispose of specific wastes.
When damaged, blocked, or overwhelmed, lymphedema may occur.
This lymphatic condition is characterized by:
- Chronic swelling of the leg
- Limb heaviness
- Pain
- Discomfort
- Reduced mobility
These issues continue around the clock, often disrupting sleep.
Lymphedema Treatment
Our strategies for lymphedema treatment to reduce leg pain at night can include:
- Lymphatic massage
- Compression therapy
- Dry-brushing leg skin
- Increased physical activity
Increasing exercise, lymphatic drainage treatments, and compression strategies.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
RLS involves uncontrollable urges to move the legs, especially when at rest. Restless leg syndrome can include crawling, itching, or tingling sensations.
RLS can stem from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The increased blood pressure and vein damage caused by CVI can force fluids to leak out into the surrounding tissues. This can trigger an electrolyte imbalance, making the muscles cramp or spasm when trying to sleep.
RLS Treatment
Chronic venous insufficiency can manifest in a variety of ways. Your vein specialist will diagnose the root cause, and treat that issue so that your restless leg syndrome greatly reduces or even stops completely. Our minimally-invasive treatments can include:
- Eradicating the damaged vein.
- Prescribing medication for pain/blood thinning.
- Compression therapy for the legs.
- Discussing lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms.
Schedule a Vein Screening
A better night’s sleep is directly ahead—but getting there starts by requesting a vein screening. Our compassionate team of vein specialists use the most advanced technology available to diagnose and treat your vein disease.
Contact us, or call 941.257.0765 for more information and to answer any questions you may have. Our exceptional care and effective solutions will help you hit the hay with little to no leg pain at night in Venice, FL.
About Florida Lakes Vein Center
Over 10,000 patients have relied on the team of doctors and vein specialists at Florida Lakes Vein Center for best-in-class vein care.
So can you.
Visit Florida Lakes Vein Center—“It’s a No Veiner!”