Identifying The Varicose Veins Problem

Varicose veins are twisted and swollen veins that can cause pain. The valves in the vein normally allow blood to move toward the heart but in individuals with varicose veins, the valves are not functioning properly and cause the blood to pool in the veins, leading to vein enlargement. Varicose veins are commonly found in the legs but it may also occur in other areas of the body.

Varicose veins are more common in women than in men. 3 out of 10 adults usually develop varicose veins and can be caused by prolonged standing and increased abdominal pressure (such as in pregnancy). Varicose veins can also be caused by congenitally defective valves or valves in the veins that are defective since birth.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins symptoms include enlarged veins which are clearly visible to the eye, heaviness or fullness in the legs, aching or pain in the legs, swelling of the ankles and brown discoloration of the ankles. In severe cases of varicose veins, ulcers may develop near the ankle. Varicose veins tend to get worse over time and can lead to rupture of the vein, leg ulcer formation, and phlebitis, a condition wherein there is chronic swelling of the vein.

VARICOSE VEINS ARE BULGING, ROPY VEINS THAT CAN CAUSE A GREAT DEAL OF PAIN AND REQUIRE TREATMENT.

Veins are thin-walled vascular structures with valves that keep blood flowing in one direction: toward the heart. Varicose veins form when valves deteriorate, allowing blood to flow downhill and pool in the leg.

“Veins can lose their elasticity, and when they lose their elasticity, they dilate,” Dr. Madsen says. “Veins have valves whose purpose is to keep the blood moving from your foot back to your heart. Valves go bad, the blood goes in reverse and this leads to varicose veins.”

What many people identify as varicose veins are actually spider veins, which are smaller, tubular blood vessels that occur in treelike, spiderweb and starburst patterns.

Some symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.

It is important to seek medical treatment immediately if you experience:

• Hyperpigmentation of the lower leg and ankle, meaning skin patches become darker than the normal surrounding skin
• Thickening and hardening of the skin in the same area that may itch and look red and scaly, similar to eczema
• A skin ulcer, which is a sore that appears red and may drain fluid or pus and is not caused by an injury

“Varicose veins associated with episodes of blood clots are another situation that may require treatment. Evaluation of the leg veins for deep vein clots or abnormalities is very important.”

The following symptoms are not urgent or life-threatening, but make an appointment to see a doctor if you experience:

• Achy, heavy legs that are typically relieved when elevated for at least 15 minutes
• Burning, throbbing sensation over an enlarged vein
• Muscle cramping and restless legs at night
• Unexplained swelling in the lower leg and around the ankle
• Any varicose vein that bleeds