Interventional radiology can provide treatment for leg pain that is caused by disorders of the blood vessels. The most common vessel-related causes of leg pain are venous disease and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Venous disease includes varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
You can compare the symptoms below to determine whether you are likely to be experiencing pain from peripheral artery disease (PAD) or one of the venous diseases.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) | Venous Disease |
no swelling | swelling of calves or ankles |
crampy or achy pain in legs or buttocks | legs feel tight or heavy or “full” |
fatigue in legs or buttocks | dull pain when you are walking |
numbness in legs and feet | dull pain after you stop walking |
pain occurs when exercising | pain is relieved when you elevate and rest your legs |
pain stops a few minutes after exercising | visible varicose veins |
feet are cooler than rest of body | excessive warmth in the leg |
low blood pressure in legs and feet | leg rashes, redness, or sores |
leathery skin |
There are many other reasons for leg pain, such as injury, overuse, cancer, fractures, etc. We have had a lot of experience in the diagnosis of leg pain, and will direct you to an appropriate specialist if your pain is not caused by a disorder of the blood vessels.