Types of Leg Problems and Where to Seek Help

Leg diseases are sometimes painful and can limit mobility by causing discomfort or distress. Board-certified general surgeon Atur Kasha DO leads the team at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center, providing numerous medical treatments for leg problems. Some of the services offered include:

1.      Varicose veins

These swollen veins appear on the skin as clusters of blue or purple veins. The veins in your body carry blood from the extremities back to the heart. One-way valves found in veins help to ensure blood flows in one direction. If these valves are weak or damaged, blood can back up and pull in your veins, leading to varicose veins, which can appear anywhere but often on the legs and pelvic area. Depending on their size and location, varicose and spider veins can be treated using sclerotherapy (a non-invasive treatment). A chemical solution is injected into the veins to make them collapse and disappear, redirecting blood into the surrounding healthier veins. Laser and surgery treatment options for varicose veins include photoderm therapy, surgical ligation or stripping, endovenous ablation therapy, and endoscopic vein surgery.

2.      Leg pain

The leg comprises a multitude of structures such as muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. A malfunction in any of these elements can lead to leg pain.  Symptoms of leg pain include heaviness when you stand, cramps, and itching. These symptoms require evaluation by an expert to correctly diagnose what is going on and treat the pain appropriately. Please do not ignore your leg pain because sometimes a simple solution can treat it. However, be aware that leg pain can be a symptom of a severe underlying condition.

3.      Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Arteries are the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart and deliver it to other parts of your body. PAD describes the lack of blood flow to the extremities, which occurs due to the arteries’ hardening. As you age, your arteries become hardened and narrow, resulting in decreased blood flow in the extremities. Typically, the first symptom of peripheral arterial disease is claudication, which is the cramping or burning sensation in the muscles during exercise. This pain is usually relieved with rest but comes back again when the patient repeats the exercise. The most significant risk factors for PAD are smoking, aging, a western high-fat diet, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Your doctor may describe a walking routine that improves circulation. Patients with severe symptoms may benefit from invasive procedures such as an angioplasty.

4.      Restless leg syndrome

If you have been sitting for long periods, you might find yourself getting a little restless. Some people experience restless leg syndrome, a neurological condition that creates a throbbing sensation in the legs causing an irresistible urge to move. This condition can be a genetic disorder and has also been linked to low iron levels in the blood, which is a symptom of problematic dopamine signaling in the basal ganglia. Treatment involves sleeping with a vibrating pad underneath your legs to counteract the uncomfortable muscle sensations of restless leg syndrome. If you have low iron levels, your care provider will prescribe iron supplements or dopamine agonists.

When left untreated, the most severe consequence of leg diseases is limb loss. Visit Desert West Vein & Surgery Center to learn more about the services they offer or book a consultation today.