Can venous reflux cause pain in the legs if the veins are not enlarged? In other words, can reflux in a normal sized vein cause pain?

Answers from doctors (7)

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Mar 31, 2016

Reflux in 'small sized veins' could be significant. Most commonly, however, significant reflux causes the saphenous veins and their tributaries to enlarge.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Reflux in 'small sized veins' could be significant. Most commonly, however, significant reflux causes the saphenous veins and their tributaries to enlarge.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Mar 28, 2016

Yes and yes. Is an obstruction in a half-inch water pipe different than an obstruction in a 1 inch pipe? They are fundamentally the same. This is why reflux anywhere in the leg's venous network can and will impact the venous circulation in some form. As you develop more refluxing branches, the impact will become greater. The reason there is pain is partly due to the reflux and partly due to the fact that when there is reflux within a vein, it causes the normal flow rate within the vein to decrease. This allows venous blood to become stagnant within the vein. Venous blood is historically dirty blood because it contains all of the waste products from the tissues. This dirty stuff makes the blood relatively acidic and when allowed to sit, can cause localized inflammation within the vein. The result is adjacent nerve irritation and pain/discomfort. How much discomfort is relative to how much inflammation is present. This is why vein disease is not cosmetic in any form.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Yes and yes. Is an obstruction in a half-inch water pipe different than an obstruction in a 1 inch pipe? They are fundamentally the same. This is why reflux anywhere in the leg's venous network can and will impact the venous circulation in some form. As you develop more refluxing branches, the impact will become greater. The reason there is pain is partly due to the reflux and partly due to the fact that when there is reflux within a vein, it causes the normal flow rate within the vein to decrease. This allows venous blood to become stagnant within the vein. Venous blood is historically dirty blood because it contains all of the waste products from the tissues. This dirty stuff makes the blood relatively acidic and when allowed to sit, can cause localized inflammation within the vein. The result is adjacent nerve irritation and pain/discomfort. How much discomfort is relative to how much inflammation is present. This is why vein disease is not cosmetic in any form.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

More About Doctor NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center

Published on Mar 28, 2016

Venous reflux can cause leg symptoms in the absence of varicose veins.

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Answered by NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center (View Profile)

Venous reflux can cause leg symptoms in the absence of varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 28, 2016

There are various degrees of reflux, and the presence of reflux does not mean that it will be symptomatic. As the quality of the ultrasound machines and techniques improve, we are finding more reflux, but this does not mean that the reflux is causing symptoms. It is not the size of the vein that determines reflux, but reflux does cause symptoms. The key is to ensure that reflux is responsible for the symptoms. See a board-certified vein specialist.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There are various degrees of reflux, and the presence of reflux does not mean that it will be symptomatic. As the quality of the ultrasound machines and techniques improve, we are finding more reflux, but this does not mean that the reflux is causing symptoms. It is not the size of the vein that determines reflux, but reflux does cause symptoms. The key is to ensure that reflux is responsible for the symptoms. See a board-certified vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 25, 2016

Possibly, but not likely.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Possibly, but not likely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 25, 2016

Yes, this can happen on occasion. Symptoms and ultrasound can usually help with the diagnosis.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Yes, this can happen on occasion. Symptoms and ultrasound can usually help with the diagnosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Mar 25, 2016

The vein causing the problem may be under the skin, making it hard to see. It could be the cause of your pain and swelling.

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

The vein causing the problem may be under the skin, making it hard to see. It could be the cause of your pain and swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

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