For many people, varicose veins and spider veins—a common and mild variation—are simply a cosmetic concern. For others, varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort, and sometimes, this medical condition leads to more serious problems.
At the University Center for Vein Disorders, our experts, led by Dr. Donovan, are determined to offer treatment that not only addresses your cosmetic concerns but also allows you to live life to the fullest.
Learn more about varicose veins in the legs and their symptoms below.
Understanding Varicose Veins
Weak or damaged valves can lead to internal varicose veins in the legs. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the tissues, and veins return blood from the rest of the body to the heart so that it can be recirculated.
To return blood to your heart, the veins in your legs must work against gravity. Muscle contractions in the legs act like pumps, and the elastic walls of the veins help blood return to the heart. Tiny valves in your veins open as blood flows toward your heart, then close to prevent blood from flowing backward.
If these valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein, causing the veins to stretch or twist.
Symptoms and Painful Signs
Varicose veins in the legs may not cause pain. Symptoms you may have with varicose veins include:
- Dark purple or blue veins;
- Veins that appear twisted and swollen; they are often like cords on your legs.
When painful signs and symptoms occur, they may include:
- A painful or heavy feeling in your legs;
- Burning, muscle cramps, and swelling in your legs;
- Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for a long time;
- Itching around one or more of your veins;
- Discoloration of the skin around a varicose vein.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins in the legs, but they are smaller. They are found closer to the surface of the skin and are usually red or blue.
Thin spider veins occur on the legs, but can also be found on the face. They vary in size and often look like a spider web, hence their name.
👉 Read more: 4 Symptoms That Indicate Your Varicose Veins Are Cause for Concern
Complications
Complications of varicose veins in the legs and their symptoms, although rare, may include:
Ulcers
Painful ulcers may form on the skin near internal varicose veins, particularly near the ankles. A discolored spot on the skin usually begins before an ulcer forms. See your doctor immediately if you suspect you have developed an ulcer.
Blood Clots
Occasionally, the deep veins in the legs become enlarged. In such cases, the affected leg may become painful and swollen. Any persistent leg pain or swelling requires medical attention, as it may indicate a blood clot—a condition known as thrombophlebitis.
Bleeding Due to Varicose Veins
Occasionally, veins very close to the skin may burst. This usually causes only minor bleeding. But any bleeding requires medical attention.
👉 Meet our interventional vein specialists: University Center for Vein Disorders
Take Care of Your Legs: Prevent Varicose Veins
There is no way to completely prevent varicose veins in the legs and their symptoms. But improving your circulation and muscle tone can reduce your risk of developing this condition.
The same measures you can take to treat the discomfort of varicose veins at home can help prevent varicose veins, including:
- Exercise;
- Controlling your weight;
- Eating a diet rich in fiber and low in salt;
- Avoiding high heels and tight socks;
- Elevating your legs;
- Changing position regularly.
Varicose veins in the legs and the symptoms they cause can go unnoticed. Therefore, be aware of prevention and the signs so you can treat them in time.
Consult Our University Center for Vein Disorders in NY and NJ
Self-care—such as exercise, elevating your legs, or wearing compression stockings—can help relieve the pain of varicose veins in the legs and prevent them from getting worse. But if you are concerned about how your veins look and feel that self-care measures have not prevented your condition from worsening, at the university pain and spine center, our team of interventional vein specialist, led by Dr. O’Donovan, count with different treatments to eliminate varicose veins and treat chronic venous insufficiency.
For those in New York and New Jersey, we provide professional help for effectively managing symptoms and maintaining an active and healthy life. You can call 732-320-9026 or request a vein consult today.