Varicose Vein Diagnosis

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

Before you receive varicose veins treatment you have to go through the varicose vein diagnosis process. This is the same diagnosis process that takes place before one receives spider vein treatments.

Varicose veins are diagnosed as swollen blood vessels. The veins are usually either blue or purple in color and generally bulge out from the surface of the skin on the legs. They may appear twisted or “ropey” and be accompanied by swelling of the vein or of the skin around the vein. A varicose vein can appear on any portion of the leg including the thigh.

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You may have varicose veins or suffering from any level of venous insufficiency if you are experiencing one or any of the following symptoms:

• Varicose veins
• Spider veins
• Dull aching, heaviness, or cramping in legs
• Itching and tingling
• Pain that gets worse when standing
• Pain that gets better when legs are raised
• Swelling of the legs
• Redness of the legs and ankles
• Skin color changes around the ankles
• Skin discoloration (bluing and browning of the skin)
• Thickening and hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles
• Ulcers on the legs and ankles
• Restless legs

All of the above described problems, as well as many others, can be caused by abnormal circulation in veins of the lower extremities, a condition called “venous insufficiency”.

Your doctor may diagnose you with varicose veins based solely on a physical exam. Your doctor will look at your legs while you’re standing or sitting with legs dangling. He or she may then ask you about the symptoms that you are experiencing including any pain you’re having. Sometimes other tests may be performed to find out the extent of your vein problems.

You might have a diagnostic ultrasound that can be used to see the veins’ structure, check the blood flow and look for blood clots. This test uses sound waves to create pictures of structures in your body.

More than 7 out of 10 American women will suffer from vein problems before the age of 60 and many of us still do not know what a varicose vein is.

There’s no doubt that any kind of visible leg vein can cause misery especially when summer comes around and we want to wear shorts, a skirt or even a swimsuit.

Too many women feel compelled to hide their legs in long pants or jeans even when the weather is sweltering rather than suffer embarrassment by the pool or on the beach.

You may think that it is impossible to overlook a problem such as this one but too many people confuse varicose veins with spider veins.

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Is it necessary to seek treatment for my vein problems?

Most of our patients come to us because they find their spider veins and varicose veins to be unsightly and uncomfortable. However, it is important to seek treatment for vein problems no matter what, because they can be indicative of more serious vein disease issues and can lead to serious medical complications, including trophic ulcers, bleeding, infection and blood clots.

There are some other physical symptoms of varicose veins that make it easier to diagnose them:

1. Itchy or flaky skin around the affected vein sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation.
2. Feeling of heaviness in the lower legs after standing or sitting still.
3. Aching in the lower leg area which is difficult to relieve.
4. Muscle cramps or pain in the lower legs.
5. Moderate or severe swelling around the ankles- the ankle area appears puffy and swollen and the ankle bone may not be visible.

Not all of these symbols are present in all cases but if your veins fit the description and you have one or more symptoms to a greater or lesser extent then the likelihood is that you have varicose veins.

The chances are that symptoms similar to these will have impacted your quality of life already. It may be difficult for you to walk, sit or even stand for a long period of time.

The good news is that if you suffer from the condition is that varicose vein treatment has advanced rapidly in recent years. You don’t need to settle for living with varicose veins. Treatment for varicose veins are covered by medicare and health insurance whereas no coverage is available for spider veins which are seen as a cosmetic condition.

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To learn more about vein symptoms and treatments at USA Vein Clinics call 888-894-9464 and book an appointment for a consultation at a USA Vein Clinic near you.