The Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are the result of blood that pools in any area of the body due to inefficient blood flow. The blood does not travel back to the heart and instead stays in another area. The most common area of the body to develop varicose veins is the legs, though it is possible for varicose veins to form anywhere on the body.
For the majority of people who suffer from varicose veins, the problem is purely cosmetic and the only symptoms are related to the appearance of the veins. The appearance of varicose veins is swelling in a ropey or cord-like way along the veins. While the appearance is unattractive, it is not harmful to health.
Some individuals feel further symptoms, which range from irritating to painful depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Itchiness and rashes along the veins are mostly annoying. This is a potential symptom that comes with the veins for some individuals, though it does not develop with every case.
Aching in the legs or a feeling that the legs are heavy occurs in some individuals.
These are usually signs that occur as the varicose veins worsen over time and are common symptoms.
Skin colour can change in some individuals when varicose veins start becoming severe. The affected area of the body might turn a brownish-grey colour, especially for varicose veins in the legs.
Swelling often occurs as a symptom of varicose veins. Not only does the problem result in vein swelling, but ankles, feet and other areas of the body affected by the veins might also swell. Swelling occurs when the blood starts to leak out of the veins and into the tissue around the veins.
Some individuals might experience cramping in the legs due to the varicose veins. This cramping is often painful.
Sometimes the veins will feel hard to the touch as the tissues start hardening.
Severe conditions associated with varicose veins include bleeding, excessive pain, the formation of ulcers and visible blood clots. If any of these four problems occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. These symptoms are signs of serious medical conditions.
Some individuals might mistake the pain symptoms of disorders like arthritis, narrowed arteries or nerve pain as pain related to the veins. If extreme pain occurs, only a doctor can determine if the pain is resulting from the veins or another problem.