Chance Encounter Leads to Achy Leg Pain Relief in South Texas
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
Philip’s Story: Happy Ending to an Unsolved Mystery
A few years back, Houston resident Philip* began noticing changes in his legs. He started to experience achy leg pain and a heavy feeling. Gradually over time the achiness and heaviness increased, to the point that regular activities he enjoyed doing—like mowing the lawn and working outside—became more difficult.
Whenever Philip ran errands with his wife, he needed to take breaks. For example, at the grocery store he had to lean on the shopping cart or at the mall he had to find a bench to sit down and rest periodically. When his legs felt achy and heavy, all he wanted was to get off his feet and lie down.
The experience Philip was having is one we are very familiar with here at StrideCare. While there can be many reasons for leg pain, the most common cause we see in patients is vein disease.
How Is Achy Leg Pain Related to Vein Disease?
According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, vein disease is a common condition that affects roughly 25% of men and women in the United States. This condition develops over time from malfunctioning valves in leg veins. Normally functioning valves prevent the backflow of blood down the legs and keep the blood moving towards the heart.
However, the leaky valves in a vein disease patient do not hold a seal. Blood pressure then builds up in the lower legs leading to pooling of the blood called venous stasis. This can result in cramping, heavy, and achy leg pain in addition to swelling and skin changes.
What Are Vein Disease Symptoms?
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Leg cramps
- Achy leg pain
- Heaviness
- Tiredness
- Swelling
- Spider veins
- Varicose veins
- Restless legs
- Skin discoloration
- Open sores and ulcers
Other risk factors include family history of chronic vein disease, occupation that requires prolonged period of standing or sitting. Women are at higher risk especially after pregnancy. Since leg pain can be caused by other conditions as well, some of these symptoms are often misdiagnosed by doctors, so patients do not receive the proper treatments.
A Eureka Moment: Philip’s Diagnosis and Road to Recovery
Philip’s achy leg pain persisted and worsened to the point where he was not comfortably able to perform his job which often required him to stand for hours at a time. At that point, Philip sought medical advice. Unfortunately, although his regular doctors meant well, they were not able to identify the problem. The physicians he consulted most often attributed the symptoms to him being overweight, his age and other medical conditions. Philip knew he needed to see a specialist but didn’t know which one. So, the mystery continued.
Philip became extremely concerned when a sizable leg ulcer developed. He recalls, “The skin on my legs changed and became more like leather, and the hair all died off in some areas. In the area surrounding the sore, the color of the skin started changing too. I didn’t know what to do or who to go to for help.”
This continued until one day he happened to overhear Dr. Hamilton speaking on a morning TV news show. When he heard Dr. Hamilton describe the symptoms of vein disease, it clicked. He remembers thinking, “This guy is describing all of my symptoms!” He made an appointment to visit StrideCare for an ultrasound and vein consultation.
Dr. Hamilton was able to diagnose Philip’s problem: vein disease. Dr. Hamilton explained that vein treatments are minimally invasive and done on an outpatient basis. There is no invasive surgery, so patients heal faster and with less pain. Philip finally had hope that his constant achy leg pain along with the leg sore and skin changes would have a resolution.
With the advanced vein treatment StrideCare provides, Philip’s toughened skin begun to soften. The procedures lessened his achy leg pain, and Philip found himself getting faster and stronger every day. Now recovered, Philip shares his vein treatment journey’s happy ending, “I have walked more in the past 2 days than I have in the past 2 months. Dr. Hamilton and the staff are very caring and helpful. Being treated has been a great experience.”
Visit South Texas Vein Specialists at StrideCare
If you are experiencing achy leg pain and other symptoms like Philip, you’ve found the right place. The vascular physicians at StrideCare are board certified diagnostic radiologists with additional fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology. They are leading South Texas vein doctors for treating leg pain, vein disease, varicose veins, and leg sores due to vein problems.
StrideCare has long been a leader in performing leading-edge procedures to treat vein disease such as varicose veins, as well as spider vein treatment, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), restless leg syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic congestion syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome and more—all the while providing compassionate patient care.
If you need vein treatment, or if you have questions about your symptoms and need a diagnosis, StrideCare physicians can get to the root of the problem. These experts will recommend an individualized plan to help you achieve the best results.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves the South Texas area including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Bay City, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, and more.
*Patient stories are true. Names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.
