There is a wide range of conditions which can result in aching legs, frequently described as a vague but uncomfortable sensation. The location is often non-specific and the pain can range in character from a dull ache to a more noticeable discomfort.
Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse or injuries in joints, ligaments, tendons or muscles. Occasionally leg pain can be related to lower back problems. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.
Common vascular causes include varicose veins (chronic venous insufficiency), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its long-term consequences (chronic swelling), lymphoedema and peripheral vascular disease (poor blood inflow to the leg due to diseased arteries).
Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause is essential to direct appropriate treatment. A vascular assessment will identify whether aching legs are related to arterial or venous disease, allowing targeted management to relieve symptoms and prevent progression.
Some common causes of leg pain include:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- ACL injury (tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament in your knee)
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Baker’s cyst
- Bone cancer
- Broken leg
- Bursitis (joint inflammation)
- Chronic exertional compartment syndrome
- Claudication
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Gout (arthritis related to excess uric acid)
- Growing pains
- Growth plate fractures
- Hamstring injury
- Herniated disk
- Infection
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)
- Knee bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in the knee joint)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Meralgia paresthetica
- Muscle cramp
- Muscle strain
- Night leg cramps
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Osteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints)
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
- Paget’s disease of bone
- Patellar tendinitis
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Peripheral artery disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Posterior cruciate ligament injury
- Pseudogout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
- Sacroiliitis
- Sciatica
- Septic arthritis
- Shin splints
- Spinal stenosis
- Sprains and strains
- Stress fractures
- Tendinitis
- Thrombophlebitis (a blood clot that usually occurs in the leg)
- Torn meniscus
- Varicose veins
Ongoing symptoms warrant further investigations and referral to a vascular surgeon.
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Treatments Available for Aching Legs
Below are some of the treatments we have available for Aching Legs. Click on the below to learn more or get in touch with us to request a consultation.
Angioplasty and Stenting
Angioplasty and stenting opens narrowed or blocked arteries by inflating a small balloon inside the vessel and, where needed, placing a mesh tube to hold it open. It is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery for many arterial conditions.
Bypass Surgery
Bypass surgery creates a new route for blood to travel around a blocked or severely narrowed artery. It is used to restore circulation to the legs and feet when less invasive treatments are not suitable or have not been effective.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT)
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLT) uses laser energy to close diseased veins from within, eliminating the underlying cause of varicose veins. It is a highly effective day procedure with a fast recovery and excellent long-term results.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation uses precisely controlled heat to seal diseased veins from the inside, causing them to close and be gradually absorbed by the body. It is a highly effective, walk-in walk-out treatment for varicose veins with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into varicose or spider veins to irritate and close the vessel wall. It is a quick, well-established outpatient treatment suitable for a range of vein sizes, from fine thread veins to medium-sized varicosities.
Why Choose Perth Vascular Clinic?
Expertise You Can Trust
Dr Marek Garbowski has developed a strong clinical focus in the assessment and management of pelvic venous disorders, helping many women regain control of their lives after years of unexplained symptoms.
State-of-the-Art Assessment
Using the latest diagnostic imaging and vascular evaluation techniques, we ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis. We work closely with gynaecologists and radiologists to deliver a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each patient’s needs.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Our clinic offers a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided treatment options — including embolisation of varicose pelvic veins, designed to relieve symptoms with minimal downtime.
Care for Public and Private Patients
Dr Garbowski provides consultations and procedures through both private practice and public hospital pathways, ensuring access to quality care for all patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aching legs can result from a range of vascular and non-vascular causes. Venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis are common vascular causes. Peripheral arterial disease, muscle conditions, and nerve problems can also present with leg aching.