What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

If you think you may have varicose veins you’re certainly not alone. More than 7 out of 10 American women will suffer from varicose veins before their sixties

Common symptoms can include pain and fatigue in the legs, swollen ankles and calves, burning or itching skin, skin discoloration and leg ulcers.

Varicose veins are swollen vessels, blue or purple in color and generally bulging above the surface of the skin. They may appear twisted or “ropey” and can be accompanied by swelling.

Varicose veins appear anywhere on your leg from the ankle up to the groin.  The most likely places for varicose veins to show up are on the inside of your thigh or on the back of your calf or knee.

If this description sounds awful – yours may not be quite so bad -for some people varicose veins appear only as small discolored vessels with minor swelling and little discomfort.

If you’re unlucky and have severe varicose veins – they can make your life a misery – emotionally and physically.  Varicose veins – like spider veins or thread veins – are caused by venous reflux where vein valves are weakened and allow blood to pool in the legs.

Physical  symptoms of venous reflux – or venous insufficiency as it is sometimes called – include: deep aching or a feeling of severe heaviness, fatigue, itchiness and a burning sensation around the varicose vein.  You may also experience muscle cramps and severe swelling around the ankles.

Symptoms this severe will reduce your quality of life – you may find it difficult to  walk, stand or sit for very long and social and working life will be affected.

On top of the physical symptoms – many women with varicose veins experience anxiety and depression because of the impact on their looks and their self esteem.  The freedom to wear a skirt, feminine dress or shorts – or to feel confident in a swimming costume at the pool or on the beach is destroyed.

The good news if you suffer from this debilitating condition is that varicose vein treatment has advanced rapidly in recent years.  You don’t need to put up with your varicose veins – indeed you shouldn’t.

Varicose vein removal is possible with advanced laser treatments or with sclerotherapy. Do some research and then find a good vein clinic in your local area. Discuss all your options with a specialist physician before taking any action.

Varicose veins are increasingly treatable – and with much less pain and discomfort than in previous years.

Related articles:

• What’s the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
• Varicose vein treatment
• How to prevent varicose veins