Varicose veins are swollen and damaged blood vessels that bulge beneath the skin’s surface. These superficial veins most commonly develop on the lower legs, ankles, and feet, appearing blue or purple. Varicose veins are a symptom of chronic venous insufficiency and can cause various symptoms, including leg pain, itching, swelling, numbness, and more than just the visible aspect. The specialists at USA Vein Clinics are available at over 160 locations to help diagnose and treat varicose vein symptoms.
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Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can cause a range of symptoms. One of the most recognizable symptoms of varicose veins is bulging or unsightly blue to purple veins. Some people with varicose veins see them under their skin but do not experience additional symptoms. Other people can experience aches, pain, swelling, and more.
Common symptoms of varicose veins can include:
- Enlarged veins: These veins are visible under the skin’s surface. They can appear blue or purple.
- Swelling: Swollen legs and ankles can occur.
- Aching: Legs and ankles might feel achy or heavy.
- Cramping: Muscle cramping can develop, especially at night.
- Itching: Burning and itching sensations around the affected veins are common.
- Skin changes: The skin around affected veins can become dry, thick, and discolored.
- Heavy legs: A sensation of heaviness in the legs, particularly after standing or walking for extended periods.
- Pain: Discomfort or pain in the legs, which can worsen after sitting or standing for long durations.
Early Stage Varicose Veins Symptoms
Symptoms such as itching, sores, and skin changes are unlikely to develop in the early stages of varicose veins. Instead, it’s common to notice subtle and mild signs in the early stage. This might include:
- Slight lower leg swelling
- Mild pain or heaviness in legs after extended periods of sitting or standing
- The appearance of smaller visible veins called spider veins
Complications of Varicose Veins
Untreated varicose veins can lead to serious health issues. These complications may include:
- Ulcers: Open sores that develop on the skin, often near the ankles.
- Bleeding: Damaged veins close to the surface of the skin can rupture and bleed.
- Skin Discoloration: Darkening or changes in skin texture around the affected veins.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): A progressive condition that affects the veins’ ability to pump blood to the heart, causing swelling, pain, and an increased risk of ulcers and blood clots.
- Blood Clots: Varicose veins can increase the risk of clotting disorders such as:
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis: Painful blood clots that form in varicose veins near the skin’s surface.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A serious condition where clots form in deeper veins, potentially leading to life-threatening complications like a pulmonary embolism.
If you are experiencing symptoms like swelling, leg pain, or visible veins, seeking care promptly can help prevent complications such as ulcers, bleeding, and blood clots. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen — schedule an appointment today at USA Vein Clinics.
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Causes of Varicose Veins Symptoms
Varicose veins occur when veins become enlarged, twisted, and overfilled with blood due to poor circulation or weakened vein walls and valves. These symptoms are primarily caused by weak or damaged valves that allow blood to pool in the veins, leading to bulging and twisting. Factors such as aging, genetics, prolonged standing or sitting, and obesity can increase the risk by adding pressure on the veins.
Hormonal changes, particularly in women during pregnancy, menopause, or with hormone therapy, can relax vein walls, making them more prone to damage. A sedentary lifestyle, previous leg injuries, and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) also contribute to the development of varicose veins.
Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to complications like blood clots or venous ulcers, making early treatment help manage symptoms and prevent progression.
Varicose Veins Risk Factors
Varicose veins are very common and can appear at various life stages in both men and women, though they are more prevalent in people over 40 and women. Additional risk factors include:
- Pregnancy: The weight gain and hormones associated with pregnancy can increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the veins, raising the risk of varicose veins.
- A family history of varicose veins: Varicose veins and other vein health conditions can run in families.
- Standing and sitting for extended periods: Prolonged standing or sitting puts pressure on the legs and can lead to blood pooling and vein swelling.
- Gender: Women are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins than men.
Treatment for Varicose Veins Symptoms
The first step towards finding relief from varicose vein symptoms is to schedule a consultation with a doctor. At USA Vein Clinics, we pride ourselves on having experts to help you manage varicose vein symptoms. The skilled and trusted doctors can evaluate your veins and determine the best treatment option based on your personalized needs. We offer multiple minimally invasive treatments to effectively target the underlying cause of varicose veins, promoting improved circulation and reducing discomfort.
These non-surgical varicose vein treatments include:
- Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into the affected vein to close it.
- Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment: A laser collapses and seals the damaged vein.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Heat is used to close the damaged vein and redirect blood flow.
- ClariVein®: A rotating fiber device and a chemical injection treat damaged veins in this treatment.
- Varithena: A device that creates a foam that fills and closes damaged veins.
- VenaSeal™: A medical adhesive is injected into damaged veins, closing them off.
Relieve Varicose Vein Symptoms with USA Vein Clinics
The trusted professionals at USA Vein Clinics can diagnose and provide treatment for the symptoms of varicose veins. With over 160 locations nationwide and acceptance of most insurance plans, we make vein care accessible. Book a consultation at a vein clinic near you by calling (888) 768-3467 or using our convenient online booking tool.
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FAQS
What causes varicose vein symptoms to worsen?
Varicose vein symptoms can worsen due to a sedentary lifestyle, including prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity, and inadequate leg elevation.
Can varicose vein symptoms lead to other health issues?
Yes, varicose vein symptoms can lead to health issues like superficial vein thrombosis, which causes painful, hardened veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition involving deeper blood clots.
Will varicose vein symptoms go away on their own?
Varicose vein symptoms may be relieved temporarily with measures like elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings, but these methods do not eliminate symptoms. The minimally invasive treatments offered at USA Vein Clinics are recommended for complete symptom relief.
DO VARICOSE VEINS ALWAYS CAUSE PAIN?
You may not have any pain with varicose veins in the early stages. However, they tend to worsen over time, with pain and discomfort developing later on as vein disease progresses.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF VARICOSE VEINS IN THE LEGS?
You will notice swelling of the legs and ankles. Your shoes may feel tight on your feet, and you may experience cramps in the legs. Your legs might feel heavy or numb, making it difficult to get around. Sometimes, you can experience itching and burning around the veins.