Leg Pain & Leg Health

Do your legs hurt? And you don’t really know why? Sometimes it is easy to brush off pains as “getting older” or “I’m just not in shape.”

But there are serious reasons that your legs may be hurting and it shouldn’t be ignored. That is why Dr. Michael Wingate, general surgeon, has been leading a crusade to inform the public about leg pain and leg health.

One of the causes of leg pain in many people is from a vein problem – and it’s a problem that can easily be solved with medical care.

What can cause a vein to cause pain in the leg?

This can be caused by the type of work we do, standing for long periods of time on a hard surface or it can be hereditary. It is important to get this checked out because it could be other things, like your arteries and not your veins.

What are the symptoms other than pain?

Bleeding, skin discoloration, swelling.

If I visit your office, what will you do? Is it painful?

The first visit is a simple exam of the legs and a discussion, then the initial workup is done by simple ultrasound, which are sound waves, and are completely non invasive and harmless.

Will you want me to get surgery?

Any type of intervention is the last resort.

What else can I do to help my legs in the meantime?

Wear compression stockings to improve blood flow and discourage blood from pooling, Take over-the-counter pain relievers, Avoid standing for long periods and Elevate the legs when possible. Wear loose clothing around your waist and legs. Stop smoking.

You can also maintain a healthy weight, eat foods low in fat, limit salt intake and drink more water to stay hydrated.