Leg Pain
If you are in Northern California and are experiencing persistent leg pain or cramping, the specialists at BASS Vein Center are here to help. Our team evaluates the underlying cause of your symptoms and provides proven, minimally invasive treatment options.
Understanding Leg Pain and Leg Cramps
Occasional soreness or fatigue is normal—but ongoing leg pain, nighttime cramping, or recurring discomfort can signal an underlying medical issue. Many patients initially assume their symptoms are due to dehydration or muscle strain, but the real cause is often related to circulation.
Leg pain can occur due to:
- Fatigue or overuse
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance (low magnesium or potassium)
- Medication side effects
- Nerve irritation or musculoskeletal issues
- Arterial circulation problems
- Venous circulation problems (the most common overlooked cause)
When leg pain or cramping becomes frequent, severe, or disrupts sleep, it may be connected to a vein condition that requires evaluation.
Why Do Leg Cramps Happen at Night?
Nighttime cramping—often called “charley horses”—is one of the most common symptoms of venous insufficiency.
When your veins can’t efficiently return blood from the legs back to the heart, pressure builds inside the veins. This can trigger:
- Sudden nighttime cramps
- Aching or throbbing
- A heavy or tight feeling in the calves
- Restlessness or the urge to move your legs
Untreated venous insufficiency can progress to:
- Varicose veins
- Spider veins
- Skin discoloration
- Leg swelling
- Venous ulcers
This is why recurring nighttime cramping should never be ignored.
Leg Pain from Arterial vs. Venous Circulation Issues
Some patients experience pain or cramping during walking, which improves with rest. This may indicate an arterial condition (claudication) and needs evaluation.
Others experience heaviness, swelling, throbbing, or nighttime cramps, which more commonly signals a venous condition.
A vein specialist can determine the cause through a quick, painless ultrasound.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the valves inside the leg veins stop working properly. Instead of pushing blood upward, the weakened valves allow blood to flow backward and pool in the legs.
Over time, this increased pressure leads to:
- Pain and aching
- Swelling
- Cramping
- Skin changes
- Varicose veins
- In advanced cases, venous leg ulcers
CVI is one of the leading causes of chronic leg pain in adults, especially those who stand or sit for long periods, have had pregnancies, or have a family history of vein disease.
Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Symptoms often worsen throughout the day and improve with elevation. Common signs include:
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Tightness or heaviness in the calves
- Itchy or painful legs
- Brownish skin discoloration near the ankles
- Visible varicose veins
- Restless legs or constant urge to move
- Muscle spasms or painful cramps
- Leg ulcers that heal slowly or not at all
Because these symptoms overlap with other health conditions, a proper evaluation is essential.
Get Relief from Leg Pain at BASS Vein Center
If you’re experiencing ongoing leg cramps, heaviness, swelling, or nighttime pain, the specialists at BASS Vein Center can determine whether your symptoms are related to a vein condition. Most treatments are fast, minimally invasive, and performed in-office with little to no downtime.
We proudly serve patients in Walnut Creek, Castro Valley, Alamo, Oakland, and across the Northern California.