My husband has pain in both of his legs and the veins in his calves are bulding, what is going on?

My husband has pain in both legs behind the knees and the veins in his calves are bulging. He has celiac disease, diabetes, & arthritis. The symptoms all happened on Monday. We've tried ice, heat, and meds (oxycontin 20mg), but nothing is working. Do you know what might be wrong?

Answers from doctors (13)


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on Feb 10, 2020

Hello, and thank you for your question. I would certainly recommend obtaining an ultrasound with your provider or at a nearby hospital as soon as possible. This will rule out an acute lower extremity vein issue like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or superficial thrombophlebitis. This way you can help prevent any possible complications if there is a positive finding.
All the best.

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Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

Hello, and thank you for your question. I would certainly recommend obtaining an ultrasound with your provider or at a nearby hospital as soon as possible. This will rule out an acute lower extremity vein issue like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or superficial thrombophlebitis. This way you can help prevent any possible complications if there is a positive finding.
All the best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Palm Vein Center

Published on May 14, 2014

He may be suffering from Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). He needs to be evaluated to be sure

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Answered by Palm Vein Center

He may be suffering from Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). He needs to be evaluated to be sure

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ozark Regional Vein Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

The bulging calf veins are a manifestation of a condition known as venous insufficiency. This is mostly a hereditary condition caused by faulty valves in the superficial veins in his legs. It is easily managed in an office setting, and the treatment is rather painless and covered by the vast majority of insurance carriers.

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Answered by Ozark Regional Vein Center

The bulging calf veins are a manifestation of a condition known as venous insufficiency. This is mostly a hereditary condition caused by faulty valves in the superficial veins in his legs. It is easily managed in an office setting, and the treatment is rather painless and covered by the vast majority of insurance carriers.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 17, 2014

I would have him evaluated for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) .Celiac disease is a risk factor for DVT, and I would seek medical evaluation to check for this. Prompt attention is important.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I would have him evaluated for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) .Celiac disease is a risk factor for DVT, and I would seek medical evaluation to check for this. Prompt attention is important.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

Published on Apr 17, 2014

It's impossible to say what is going on without knowing your husband's medical history and doing a physical exam. If he has new onset of severe pain and swelling, then a trip to the emergency room or urgent care might be in order.

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Answered by Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

It's impossible to say what is going on without knowing your husband's medical history and doing a physical exam. If he has new onset of severe pain and swelling, then a trip to the emergency room or urgent care might be in order.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 17, 2014

You need to have him checked for blood clots.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You need to have him checked for blood clots.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Apr 17, 2014

It could be a blood clot, either superficial or deep. Either way, it would be wise to go the ER to have an ultrasound. I only say this because of the sudden onset of pain. There is probably underlying vein disease that will need to be addressed later as well. When the time comes, find a clinic with a physician that is accredited by the American College of Phlebology and get scheduled for an ultrasound of the legs

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It could be a blood clot, either superficial or deep. Either way, it would be wise to go the ER to have an ultrasound. I only say this because of the sudden onset of pain. There is probably underlying vein disease that will need to be addressed later as well. When the time comes, find a clinic with a physician that is accredited by the American College of Phlebology and get scheduled for an ultrasound of the legs

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Apr 17, 2014

There are a lot of potential causes for your husband's leg pain, some of which your husband has in his past medical history. That said, given that his discomfort started only a few days ago makes his chronic medical conditions less likely to be the cause. At least from a vein standpoint, given that he has bulging veins in the proximity of his pain, makes a vein issue a more likely cause of his acute pain. Vein problems in general cause an increase level of congestion and irritation in the areas that they exist. The result can be symptoms like itching, burning, aching, throbbing. Typically, leg elevation will help, but may not entirely alleviate his symptoms. Eliminating his vein issues can help to resolve his complaints.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

There are a lot of potential causes for your husband's leg pain, some of which your husband has in his past medical history. That said, given that his discomfort started only a few days ago makes his chronic medical conditions less likely to be the cause. At least from a vein standpoint, given that he has bulging veins in the proximity of his pain, makes a vein issue a more likely cause of his acute pain. Vein problems in general cause an increase level of congestion and irritation in the areas that they exist. The result can be symptoms like itching, burning, aching, throbbing. Typically, leg elevation will help, but may not entirely alleviate his symptoms. Eliminating his vein issues can help to resolve his complaints.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Surgical Arts

Published on Apr 17, 2014

If this is so sudden, he may have developed blood clots in his legs. Please take him to an ER, or your doctor who can refer him to get a venous duplex scan to exclude DVT (deep vein thrombosis). This is the first thing that needs be done before evaluating other potential underlying problems.

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Answered by Advanced Surgical Arts

If this is so sudden, he may have developed blood clots in his legs. Please take him to an ER, or your doctor who can refer him to get a venous duplex scan to exclude DVT (deep vein thrombosis). This is the first thing that needs be done before evaluating other potential underlying problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 17, 2014

Your husband needs a full vascular evaluation. His problem could be due to his arteries, veins or even non-circulation related. He should see a vascular surgeon.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Your husband needs a full vascular evaluation. His problem could be due to his arteries, veins or even non-circulation related. He should see a vascular surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


It's hard to say seeing as though I don't have access to his complete medical history, nor do I have him physically present to conduct an exam. I would recommend having your husband set up an appointment with his primary care provider. Although it is uncommon to have deep vein thrombosis in both legs at the same time, I would suggest he have an ultrasound to rule it out, especially if there is swelling. But, if he is in severe pain, it might be best that he visit an urgent care center or emergency room.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

It's hard to say seeing as though I don't have access to his complete medical history, nor do I have him physically present to conduct an exam. I would recommend having your husband set up an appointment with his primary care provider. Although it is uncommon to have deep vein thrombosis in both legs at the same time, I would suggest he have an ultrasound to rule it out, especially if there is swelling. But, if he is in severe pain, it might be best that he visit an urgent care center or emergency room.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Apr 17, 2014

Your husband has several medical conditions that could cause the symptoms you are describing. He may also have an underlying vein problem, such as venous reflux, that is leading to the swelling and bulging veins. The only way to truly know what's going on is to have a medical evaluation. Therefore, your husband should consult with his physician.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Your husband has several medical conditions that could cause the symptoms you are describing. He may also have an underlying vein problem, such as venous reflux, that is leading to the swelling and bulging veins. The only way to truly know what's going on is to have a medical evaluation. Therefore, your husband should consult with his physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Apr 16, 2014

Your husband needs to see a doctor.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Your husband needs to see a doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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