Varicose veins are a common problem that affects millions of Americans. While dark, ropey veins are the most obvious sign, other signs can be less obvious and more difficult to diagnose. While manageable at first, untreated varicose vein symptoms can eventually have a major impact on your quality of life.
Varicose veins result from faulty valves in leg veins, causing blood pooling and other symptoms such as:
- Chronic swelling
- Sore and aching legs
- Discoloration
- Burning and itching
- Skin ulcers
Early treatment at Vascular Surgical Associates in Evansville, IN, ensures optimal vascular health and enhanced quality of life.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are the result of veins in the lower leg not working properly. When healthy, veins in the lower leg help fight the forces of gravity using one-way valves that help pump blood back up to the heart. Unfortunately, these valves can sometimes stop working. This results in blood pooling in the lower leg, which leads to skin inflammation and other varicose vein symptoms.
Skin inflammation is the result of increased pressure within the vein that causes the veins to grow larger. These enlarged veins don’t always become the dark, bulging veins that are usually associated with varicose veins. However, the increased pressure combined with the accumulation of blood and toxins within the leg can still result in the symptoms above.
Varicose veins can develop anywhere in the body, but they’re most commonly found in the lower leg. Their symptoms are both chronic and progressive. This means that your varicose vein symptoms can last for a long period of time and will only get worse with time.
There are steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms, such as sitting down if you stand a lot, taking walks if you sit a lot, and raising your legs above your heart at the end of the day. However, the best way to rid yourself of your symptoms is to seek medical treatment from our experienced board of surgeons.
Surprising Varicose Vein Symptoms
The most well-known symptom of varicose veins is dark, bulging veins in the leg. However, there are others that you may not be aware of due to this condition. These include recurring swelling as well as sore, aching legs. Symptoms like these can affect your daily life, making it difficult to enjoy the activities you once loved.
Skin discoloration is another surprising symptom of varicose veins, which can lead to hard, scaly, and thickened skin. You can also experience a burning and itching sensation, caused by agitated skin. If left untreated, varicose veins can even cause painful skin ulcers that are more prone to infection.
1. Chronic Swelling
Chronic swelling is a common symptom of varicose veins due to the malfunction of veins that fail to efficiently return blood to the heart. This causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to increased pressure and fluid leakage into surrounding tissues. Swelling typically worsens throughout the day, peaking in the evening.
For women, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can make the swelling worse. Severe swelling can impede daily activities, making tasks challenging and uncomfortable. Addressing varicose veins early can help manage and reduce the impact of chronic swelling on daily life.
2. Sore and Aching Legs
Sore and aching legs are symptoms of varicose veins because the impaired veins struggle to pump blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool and increasing pressure in the veins. This pressure and fluid buildup lead to pain and discomfort.
As the day progresses, gravity exacerbates the pooling, intensifying the pain, which can range from a heavy, cramping sensation to a deep, throbbing ache. This worsening discomfort often makes sitting down a primary goal after a long day. Receiving treatment for varicose veins can help alleviate these symptoms and improve leg comfort and function.
3. Discoloration
Like other varicose vein symptoms, skin discoloration occurs because the veins in the legs are not functioning properly, leading to poor blood circulation. This improper function causes blood to pool and leak into the surrounding tissues, resulting in a darkening or reddish-brown staining of the skin.
If left untreated, this can also cause the skin to become hard, scaly, and thickened due to chronic inflammation and pressure. Addressing varicose veins early can help prevent these skin changes and improve overall skin health.
4. Burning and Itching
Burning and itching of the lower legs are uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins. They occur when blood leaks into the skin due to veins failing to function properly. The leaked blood triggers inflammation, leading to itching and a burning sensation.
Over time, this can result in sores that leak fluid and form scabs. If untreated, the itchiness and burning can intensify, requiring medical intervention. Early treatment of varicose veins can help manage these symptoms and prevent complications like sores and scabs.
5. Skin Ulcers
When left untreated, varicose veins caused by poor blood circulation can lead to skin ulcers. They’re the result of untreated skin discoloration and thinning, particularly around the lower leg and ankle. The compromised skin becomes prone to breaking down, forming unsightly and painful ulcers.
Skin ulcers are highly susceptible to infection and can take years to heal. Early treatment of varicose veins is crucial to prevent these severe complications and promote healthier skin and better circulation.
Varicose Vein Treatment in Evansville, Indiana
Varicose vein treatment has come a long way from vein stripping. This process involved surgically removing, or “stripping,” the malfunctioning vein or veins to alleviate symptoms. While vein stripping may still be necessary for severe cases of varicose veins, new minimally invasive treatments can take around an hour and require little if any downtime.
At Vascular Surgical Associates, we diagnose and treat vein, artery, and lymphatic vessel conditions. Our procedures improve circulation, increase mobility, and reduce discomfort, addressing varicose veins, leg ulcers, and other complications. We offer advanced vascular care and collaborate with primary care providers to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
Our surgeons are able to assist you in every stage of treatment, including:
- Preventative care
- Screenings
- Diagnosis
- Procedures
Surgical treatment for varicose veins is the best way to alleviate your symptoms and prevent them from returning. Once you’ve received treatment, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Are you suffering from symptoms of varicose veins in Evansville, IN, and need treatment? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Chronic swelling and achy legs can impair daily activities while skin discoloration may lead to hardened, scaly skin with burning and itching sensations. Untreated varicose veins may progress to painful ulcers prone to infection. Seeking early treatment at Vascular Surgical Associates in Evansville, IN, promotes better vascular health and improved quality of life.
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to contact us or schedule an appointment. We are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
