How to Spot Signs of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are knotted, enlarged veins usually located in the legs and feet. The cause of the condition is the combined effect of veins that have lost elasticity and weak valves that allow blood to pool backwards. The result is an enlarged, blue looking vein. Most people experience some varicose vein symptoms, and others remain asymptomatic.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine whether the achy feeling and heaviness in your legs, especially after sitting or standing, are early signs of varicose veins. You may also feel a burning or throbbing and cramping or swelling in your lower extremities.
2. Notice whether you have visibly enlarged, blue veins. They may look twisted and rope-like and often itch. They may appear engorged while you are standing and then diminish when you sit or lie down.
3. Observe your ankles for brown discoloration of the skin if you have other varicose vein symptoms. This is an indication of venous stasis and may lead to eczema and thickening of tissue around the varicose veins, which can eventually lead to poor healing and further tissue damage.
4. Consider some of the causes of varicose veins, such as advanced age, jobs that require standing for long periods of time, obesity, heredity, wearing tight clothes, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy and damage to the veins. If you have any of these risk factors, you may develop varicose veins.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect you have varicose veins, contact your physician for teatment and recommendations on how to prevent them from worsening.
• If you have a varicose vein diagnosis, notify your physician if your condition worsens, or if you experience sudden pain or swelling in the affected leg.