How to Identify Symptoms Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are unsightly veins that are most commonly found in the legs. Veins become enlarged due to building blood pressure and dysfunction of one-way valves found in leg veins that help deoxygenated blood return to the heart, against gravity. Leaking or weak valves, which are found every few inches in the legs, prevent blood from draining properly. In most cases, varicose veins are caused by prolonged standing, vein disease such as thrombophlebitis, or sometimes pressure on veins caused by pregnancy. While adults of both males and females may suffer from varicose veins, it is more prevalent in women than men. Learning to recognize and identify symptoms of varicose veins may help to prevent complications such as ulcers, deep-vein clots and insufficient blood flow.

Instructions

1. Examine lower limbs, ankles, calves, and behind the knees frequently. Also check for signs of veins that bulge in the ankle, calf or around the knee, which are often the first symptoms of varicose veins. These veins are highly visible and may appear dark blue in color, because they carry deoxygenated blood from the extremities back to the heart. Often, bluish veins are visible just beneath the surface of the skin.

2. Attention to tingling sensations or throbbing pain in lower limbs is also an indication of varicose veins. Experiencing such symptoms are common to varicose veins. Listen to your body and note frequency of pain, as well as situation or activities when such pain occurs.

3. Touch varicose veins. They may produce pain or sensitivity in the affected area. Rope-like or bulging veins may be especially tender to the touch. Such signs and symptoms need to be addressed by a physician for adequate treatment plan approaches.

4. Look out for aching sensations in the affected area. It may spread upward as the day goes on. Often, such aching or pain may be alleviated by sitting down with feet raised to help facilitate blood drainage from the affected area.

5. Watch for signs of swelling in lower extremities such as the ankles and calves. Stinging sensations may be felt in the feet. If getting off feet or raising feet for a short period of time doesn't provide relief, schedule a visit with your physician.

Tips & Warnings

• Risks of varicose veins increase with age and weight gain. Varicose veins are often seen in nurses or in other individuals whose professions require long periods of standing. Try to take breaks on a regular basis and put feet up to help bloodflow.

• Varicose veins may lead to circulatory issues. At the first sign of varicose veins, or the pain caused by them, schedule a visit with your physician to discuss treatment options to help reduce chances of complications in the future.