Saphenous Vein Pain When Walking

The greater saphenous vein is a large vein in the front of your leg that stretches from your foot to your groin. Its purpose of the greater saphenous vein is to deliver blood that has been drained of oxygen through one-way valves to the deep femoral vein, which then moves the blood back to the heart. If the valves fail, blood pooling can occur, a condition known as varicose veins; varicose veins are among many potential causes of pain in the saphenous vein while walking. If you experience saphenous vein pain when walking, consult your doctor.

Venous Reflux Disease

Venous reflux disease that occurs in the greater saphenous vein is a type of venous insufficiency that prevents the proper flow of blood that needs oxygen up from the lower extremities. The valves that move blood flow up don't function properly, causing varicose veins. According to VNUS Medical Technologies, approximately 25 million Americans have varicose veins, a progressive disease that can range in severity.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can vary in severity and in their location in your lower leg or legs. Spider veins, for example, are mild and might only be a cosmetic problem. If you only have pain in one leg or saphenous vein when you walk, the condition may only be affecting that leg.

Treatment

Treatment for varicose veins is typically non-invasive. If you have varicose veins that don't respond to self-care measures or the condition is severe with rapid progression, your doctor may suggest one of several available treatments.

Get Up and Move

Walking may be good for saphenous leg pain caused by varicose veins. According to MayoClinic.com, walking gets blood circulating in your legs. Talk to your doctor about your saphenous vein pain when walking and make sure your activity level is appropriate.