
Achy Legs From Varicose Veins: Causes and Treatment Options
February 24, 2026
Connecting the Dots Between Prolonged Sitting and Varicose Veins
February 24, 2026If you’re experiencing burning legs in Maryland, you’re not alone. That persistent sensation of heat, tingling, throbbing, or aching in your legs can interfere with daily activities and disrupt sleep. While occasional discomfort may not be cause for concern, ongoing or worsening burning can signal an underlying circulation issue that should not be ignored.
For many patients, burning legs are more than a nuisance. It’s a symptom that often points to vein disease or poor circulation.
What Causes Burning Legs in Maryland?
There are several possible causes of burning legs, and identifying the source is essential for proper treatment. Common causes include:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Varicose veins
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Nerve compression or sciatica
In Maryland’s warmer months, symptoms may intensify. Heat causes veins to expand, which can worsen pressure inside already weakened veins. When blood struggles to return to the heart efficiently, it pools in the lower legs. This increased pressure often produces a burning, heavy, or restless sensation.
If your symptoms worsen after long periods of standing or sitting and improve when you elevate your legs, vein dysfunction may be contributing to your discomfort.
How Vein Disease Contributes to Burning Sensations
One of the leading causes of burning legs is chronic venous insufficiency. This condition develops when the tiny valves inside your leg veins weaken or fail. Instead of pushing blood upward toward the heart, blood flows backward and accumulates in the lower extremities.
Over time, that pooling increases vein pressure and irritates surrounding tissues. The result can include:
- Burning or aching sensations
- Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
- Visible varicose or spider veins
- Skin discoloration
- Leg fatigue or heaviness
- Nighttime cramping
As venous pressure continues to build, inflammation can develop. Many patients describe this as a warm or burning feeling that becomes more noticeable at the end of the day. If left untreated, symptoms often progress rather than improve.
When Should You Seek Medical Evaluation?
Not every episode of leg discomfort requires immediate intervention. However, persistent Burning Legs in Maryland should be evaluated by a vein specialist, especially if you experience:
- Burning that interferes with sleep
- Swelling that does not improve overnight
- Skin changes near the ankles
- One leg significantly more swollen than the other
- Increasing pain with visible vein changes
Sudden severe pain, redness, or warmth in one leg may signal a blood clot and requires urgent medical attention.
Early evaluation allows for earlier treatment, which can prevent complications and provide faster relief.
Treatment Options for Burning Legs in Maryland
If vein disease is the source of your burning legs in Maryland, several highly effective treatment options are available. Modern vein procedures are minimally invasive, performed in-office, and require little downtime.
Many patients are surprised to learn that burning legs can often be treated quickly and effectively.
Endovenous Laser Therapy
This treatment uses targeted laser energy to close malfunctioning veins. Once sealed, blood reroutes through healthy veins, relieving pressure and reducing burning symptoms. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Similar to laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation uses heat energy to close diseased veins. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort and return to normal activities quickly.
Sclerotherapy
For smaller varicose or spider veins, sclerotherapy may be recommended. A specialized solution is injected into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade. This can reduce both visible veins and uncomfortable symptoms.
Most patients resume regular activities the same day. Compression therapy may be recommended temporarily to support circulation during recovery.
Lifestyle Changes That Support Circulation
While medical treatment addresses underlying vein dysfunction, certain daily habits can help manage and reduce burning legs in Maryland:
- Elevate your legs when resting
- Walk regularly to improve circulation
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Wear properly fitted compression stockings
For Maryland residents who commute long distances or work on their feet, incorporating movement throughout the day can significantly improve circulation and reduce discomfort.
Why Early Treatment Makes a Difference
Ignoring burning legs in Maryland may allow vein disease to worsen. Over time, untreated venous insufficiency can lead to chronic swelling, skin thickening, and even venous ulcers. In advanced cases, circulation problems may increase the risk of clot formation.
Addressing symptoms early often means simpler treatment and faster recovery. Many patients are surprised to learn that relief can be achieved through outpatient procedures that require minimal interruption to daily life.
If you have been living with ongoing leg burning, heaviness, or swelling, evaluation by a vein specialist can provide clarity and a path forward.
Where to Find Help for Burning Legs in Maryland
If you are dealing with persistent burning legs in Maryland, a comprehensive vein evaluation can determine whether circulation issues are contributing to your symptoms. Diagnostic ultrasound imaging allows specialists to assess blood flow and identify valve dysfunction that may not be visible on the surface.
At Vein Center of Maryland, patients receive personalized evaluations and advanced treatment options designed to improve comfort and protect long-term vascular health. The team specializes exclusively in diagnosing and treating vein conditions using minimally invasive techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.
You do not have to continue living with discomfort.
Contact us online or give The Vein Center of Maryland a call at 410-970-2314 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable legs.




