When Varicose Veins Are Symptomatic

If you’re among the 35% of adults with varicose veins, you may feel self-conscious about their unsightly appearance. But you should also know that varicose veins can lead to more than just cosmetic challenges.

We find that many patients who visit us at the Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care don’t expect the pain and discomfort that can accompany varicose veins. What’s more is that these patients are unaware that the varicose veins can put them at risk for serious health conditions.

Our team of specialists wants to help you understand the implications varicose veins have on your health. Here, we describe varicose vein symptoms and possible treatment options available at our vein clinic. 

Why you shouldn’t ignore varicose veins

The veins in your legs have to work against gravity to return blood to your heart. This process is facilitated by one-way valves that allow blood to flow upward and prevent it from flowing back down. When these valves weaken, blood starts to pool in the veins, leading to a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. 

As blood accumulates, the veins become enlarged and varicose. You notice the puffiness and discoloration associated with varicose veins.

Chronic venous insufficiency is more than a cosmetic concern, though. It increases blood pressure in the veins of your lower legs. Ignoring varicose veins can lead to further complications as this pressure continues to build.

When varicose veins cause symptoms

Varicose veins, or varicosities, don’t always cause symptoms. When they do, you may notice: 

• Pain localized along the varicose veins
• Muscle cramps
• Heaviness or aching in the legs
• Restless leg syndrome
• General leg pain
• Leg swelling
• Fatigue
• Unusual sensations like burning, throbbing, tingling, numbness, or itching

You may not realize that the severity of symptoms isn’t always linked to the size of the veins. A small area of varicose veins might cause intense pain, while extensive varicosities could result in only mild discomfort. If you’re noticing any of these common symptoms, it’s wise to see one of our vein specialists.

More serious symptoms associated with varicose veins

If left untreated, varicose veins can progress and lead to lead to several problematic conditions, including:

Stasis dermatitis

High venous pressure can cause fluids to leak into surrounding tissues, resulting in an inflammatory skin condition known as status dermatitis. It shows up as redness, scaling, and itching, similar to eczema. You may also notice hyperpigmentation, a reddish-brown discoloration, which can persist after the rash resolves.

Lipodermatosclerosis

This condition causes thickened, leathery skin along with pain and inflammation, typically affecting the lower leg and foot. 

Venous stasis ulcer 

The most severe complication of varicose veins are leg ulcers. Venous stasis ulcers occur when fluid leaks from the veins, leading to skin breakdown and open sores around the ankle. These ulcers don’t heal on their own and can cause infections that spread if not properly treated.

Effectively treating varicose veins

Addressing varicose veins early can prevent severe complications. At the Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care, we offer a variety of minimally invasive treatments that remove the visible veins and also treat the underlying chronic venous insufficiency. 

These include sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and VenaSeal™. Our vein specialists perform all vein procedures in the comfort of our office.

Are your varicose veins bothering you? We can address your concerns, relieve your leg pain, and prevent further symptoms. Call one of the offices of the Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care — in Hobart, La Porte, Merrillville, Munster, and Valparaiso, Indiana — or request a consultation online.