Many people experience leg pain at night, often described as aching, throbbing, or cramping, which makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This discomfort can be confusing, especially when it appears without an obvious cause. While nighttime leg pain can stem from several underlying health conditions, one often-overlooked culprit is varicose veins.
Identifying the cause of leg pain can help patients find the right specialist to treat their symptoms. If varicose veins are the cause, various treatment options are available to not only reduce the appearance of bulging veins but also bring longer-lasting relief.
What Causes Leg Pain at Night?
Several conditions can cause aching legs at night, ranging from circulatory to muscular issues. The most common causes include:
- Varicose Veins and Vein Disease – Caused by damaged or weakened valves in the veins, causing blood to pool in the veins. Blood pooling adds pressure to veins, which can cause leg swelling, heaviness, and pain at night.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the legs. This can cause cramping or pain during physical activity and, in more serious cases, leg pain at night.
- Restless Legs Syndrome – A neurological condition that triggers uncomfortable sensations in the legs, creating an urge to move the legs, especially at night. Multiple studies from the National Institutes of Health have found a connection between restless leg syndrome and vein disease.
- Muscle Fatigue or Overuse – Standing or sitting for long periods during the day can strain the leg muscles and cause aching leg pain at night.
- Diabetic Neuropathy – Nerve damage from diabetes can cause tingling, burning, or sharp pains in the legs and feet.
How to Tell If Leg Pain at Night Is Caused by Varicose Veins
If you have nightly leg pain and suspect it may be from varicose veins, certain telltale signs can help distinguish it from other causes, including:
- Aching, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs
- Visible, bulging, or twisted veins under the skin
- Swelling around the ankles or calves
- Itching or burning sensations near visible veins
- Restless legs that feel better after movement or leg elevation
- Skin discoloration or dryness near the ankles
- Symptoms that worsen after long periods of standing or sitting
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, your varicose veins may be a sign of vein disease.
Check Your Symptoms with a Quiz
Why Do Varicose Veins Hurt More at Night?
It can be puzzling to wonder why varicose veins hurt more at night. The pain felt from varicose veins often intensifies at night because lying down can reduce circulation. During the day, activities like walking help blood flow back toward the heart. At night, gravity causes blood to pool in the legs, which can increase pressure on weakened or damaged veins. The added pressure causes throbbing, heaviness, or cramping.
How to Manage Varicose Vein Pain at Night
There are certain methods patients can try prior to sleeping to help manage leg pain felt at night:
- Elevate your legs before bed to promote blood flow.
- Wear compression stockings during the day to reduce swelling.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
- Gently stretch your legs before bedtime.
- Stay hydrated during the day to prevent cramping and improve circulation.
- Exercise regularly to keep blood moving through your veins.
Although these steps may help with symptoms, the effects are usually temporary and do not address the underlying issue. The only way to achieve lasting relief is through targeted treatment.
How to Boost Circulation While Sleeping
How to Get Rid of Varicose Veins Causing Nighttime Leg Pain
The most effective way to address leg pain from varicose veins is to treat the underlying venous insufficiency. Patients will first need to consult a vein specialist to discuss their symptoms and receive a diagnostic ultrasound. The consultation will help the vein specialist accurately identify the issue and create a personalized treatment plan for the patient.
USA Vein Clinics offers FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatments that seal veins shut, allowing blood to flow through healthier veins and alleviating symptoms.
These treatments include:
- Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)
- Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- ClariVein®
- VenaSeal™
- Varithena®
These procedures are performed in office-based settings. Most patients can return to normal activities the same day and begin noticing symptom relief, such as leg pain at night, within weeks.
Find Relief With USA Vein Clinics
USA Vein Clinics is a trusted national network of vein specialists dedicated to helping patients find relief from leg pain caused by varicose veins. With over 160 clinic locations across the U.S., patients receive expert, compassionate care in a comfortable, outpatient setting.
If you’re struggling with leg pain at night, don’t ignore it. A proper diagnosis can make all the difference. USA Vein Clinics offers expert care and minimally invasive solutions to help you reclaim restful sleep and healthier legs.
Start finding relief from leg pain at night by scheduling your consultation today.
FAQs About Varicose Vein Leg Pain at Night
Can varicose veins cause leg cramps at night while I’m asleep?
Varicose veins can cause muscle cramps and throbbing pain at night because of poor circulation and increased venous pressure in the legs when lying down.
Is nighttime leg pain dangerous?
Nighttime leg pain is not always dangerous, but it can signal an underlying circulatory problem such as vein disease or peripheral artery disease (PAD). Persistent or worsening pain should always be evaluated by a vascular specialist.
Can untreated varicose veins get worse over time at night?
Without treatment, varicose veins caused by vein disease may worsen over time, intensifying nighttime leg pain. As vein disease progresses, it may lead to swelling, skin discoloration, or non-healing wounds on the legs.
