Your body has many veins and arteries that carry blood to and from the heart. These vessels are critical for your overall health and well-being, as well as good cardiac function.
But issues with some vessels can lead to conditions such as May-Thurner syndrome (MTS). If you have left leg pain that persists, it’s a good idea to get a checkup.
At the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Hesham Fakhri provides a range of vein diagnostic studies and treatments for conditions such as MTS, venous insufficiency, and pelvic congestion syndrome.
He’s an experienced heart and vascular care specialist providing compression therapy, vein stenting, and sclerotherapy for vein disease.
MTS is a condition in which the right iliac artery pushes the left iliac vein against the spinal column, compressing it. That compression restricts blood flow to the left leg.
Leg pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of MTS due to blood flow issues. The iliac artery supplies blood to the leg, and the left iliac vein returns it to the heart.
When the artery compresses the vein, blood can’t return to the heart as usual, which causes discomfort, heaviness, and swelling in the left leg.
Although MTS can happen to anyone, it’s most prevalent among women aged 20-50. Women are more at risk for MTS due to hormones and pregnancy.
Pregnancy increases venous pressure, which contributes to the development of MTS. The postpartum period is also a high-risk time when women develop the problem.
Contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy increases the risk for MTS, as well. Women aged 20-50 should consider the risk of MTS when using synthetic hormones.
Other people at risk are those with prolonged immobility and issues like scoliosis that compress the vasculature around the spine and pelvis.
Left leg pain doesn’t always mean MTS, but it’s crucial to know the signs, especially if you’re at risk. The most common complaint among people with MTS is prolonged heaviness, pain, or swelling in the left leg that remains unexplained.
You may also notice the formation of varicose veins in your pelvic area or down your left leg. Skin discoloration is also common, often manifesting as hyperpigmentation or a brownish-red appearance.
The major risk associated with MTS is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT happens when a clot forms within a vein. The clot can break off and travel to your heart or brain.
Noticing swelling or pain that doesn’t go away on its own, especially in your left leg, warrants a visit to our office. Dr. Fakhri evaluates your symptoms and performs a visual exam. He may also order a venous ultrasound or a CT or MRI scan of your pelvis and leg veins.
When the imaging studies come back, he evaluates them and determines a diagnosis. If it’s MTS, there are several treatment options, which include medications (anticoagulants and thrombolytics) or minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting.
He recommends surgery only if more conservative treatments don’t eliminate the problem. Our team also offers some tips to help at home, including elevating your legs, wearing compression stockings, and engaging in regular exercise.
Call us now or reach out online to schedule your consultation at one of our locations in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Sun City, Florida. Take the first step toward improved leg pain today.
