8 Varicose Vein Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of
George Bolotin, MD, is the Medical Director at the Astra Vein Treatment Center. A board certified Diagnostic Radiologist, he’s also one of the primary Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists. His expertise in these two different but related medical fields stem from his training as an Interventional Radiologist, a medical field... more
When thinking about varicose veins, you most likely imagine discolored and bulging blood vessels. However, symptoms of this condition are vague, unspecific, and can’t be distinguished with an untrained eye. Most people don’t realize varicose veins don’t necessarily bulge. And some may even experience severe symptoms of varicose veins, without any visible bulging.
Keep on reading to discover the eight most common symptoms of varicose veins based on what patients subjectively see or feel.
1. Throbbing and dull pain
Do your legs frequently ache or throb? Are they painful and dull, making you want to elevate and rub them? Those with varicose veins usually describe this symptom as a feeling of cramping and pressure or background pain that can be tolerated during the day when there’s no time to treat it. However, in the evening this pain typically worsens and becomes debilitating. Most patients experience this symptom when standing on their feet and when trying to rest in the evening.
2. Heaviness
Your legs may become heavier during the day, typically becoming worse toward the evening. This symptom is especially noticeable when you’re sitting. People with severe varicose veins describe it as having a lead in their footwear.
3. Restless leg syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is described as an uncontrollable urge to move your legs and happens mostly at night. Restless leg syndrome is typically categorized as a neurological problem, but certain venous insufficiency patients say they experience it as well. Patients say that their legs are uncomfortable in any position so they’re in constant need to shift or elevate their legs with a pillow. Early varicose vein treatment is essential to relieving restless leg symptoms.
4. Exhaustion
Varicose veins can cause your legs to feel tired and restless. You may also spot tiny clusters of winding veins or soft, mildly tender vein knots on your leg.
5. Swelling
Persistent venous insufficiency typically results in swollen ankles and feet. This symptom becomes worse throughout the day. After removing your footwear, you may notice sock marks. Swelling can occur due to other reasons like cardiovascular disease. However, young people without a history of causative factors should book an appointment with a vein specialist. A vein specialist can determine whether the swelling is caused by venous insufficiency, or it can be ruled out.
6. Itching
Veins that are close to the surface of the body can result in persistent venous insufficiency and dry blood away from the skin on your leg. Because damaged veins lead to poor blood circulation, your skin can get scaly and dry, particularly on the shins, ankles, and calves. Most patients try keeping their skin moisturized with excessive lotion. Of course, your skin can dry out due to dermatological problems. However, consult a vein specialist to ensure you’re not dealing with vein problems.
7. Prickly and burning feeling
People have difficulty describing this symptom, but most characterize it as heat or a burning feeling. Some patients have a prickly feeling and may even describe it as an insect crawling underneath the skin of their leg. After a vein specialist assesses your leg, they may discover a bulging varicose vein where your burning sensation occurs.
8. Leg cramping or Charley horse
Most of those diagnosed with varicose veins state that they usually wake up during the night due to extreme cramps or Charley horses in the legs. They often have to get out of bed and move to reduce their symptoms.
The Bottom Line
If any of the aforementioned symptoms bother you and reduce your quality of life, consider reaching out to an experienced vein doctor to determine their cause and undergo treatment.
