Varicose veins are enlarged, gnarled veins, and this condition typically affects the veins in the feet and legs. However, varicose veins may appear on any part of the body. The reason they are most commonly found in the legs and feet is that walking upright and standing increases vein pressure in the lower body.
Arteries transport blood from the heart to organs and tissues, and veins return this blood to the heart for recirculation. Therefore, veins in the legs are constantly working against gravity. If varicose veins are present, proper circulation is impeded.
The risk of developing varicose veins increases as a person grows older. This is because as one ages, the valves in his or her veins are subject to natural wear and tear. Eventually, these valves permit some blood to escape and flow back into the vein where it coagulates instead of returning to the heart.
1. Swollen Blood Vessels
Those suffering from varicose veins almost always have swollen blood vessels. The term “blood vessels” refers to the arteries and veins that circulate blood throughout the body. Unfortunately, swollen vessels amay be painful or eventually develop weak spots from continuous pressure. However, this does not happen in all cases and typically takes place over a long period of time.
Because veins and arteries are meant to work together in an efficient manner, whenever blood coagulates and venous valves fail to function appropriately, all the body’s vessels may swell to a degree. This is because anything that blocks or hinders proper blood flow makes all vessels work harder than they would normally have to in order to ensure blood reaches every organ and tissue and supplies those areas with oxygen and nutrients.
2. Discoloration
Among the signs and symptoms of varicose veins is skin discoloration. This typically occurs after a person has had the condition for an extended period. The initial redness that occurs at the beginning stage of discoloration is usually from inflammation. As blood continuously pools underneath the skin, the destruction of red blood cells results in skin damage. The skin may eventually appear reddish-brown or tan when compared with normal skin found in other areas of the person’s body. Discoloration is usually first noticeable around the lower calves and ankles, and around the shins. It may take years of severe, untreated varicose veins for skin discoloration occur, but it can also take place without warning and appear quite suddenly.
3. Bruising
Continuous pressure and swelling of varicose veins and other blood vessels affected by this condition may lead to spontaneous rupture. This happens due to the thinning of the vein’s wall, which occurs because it must swell to accommodate the pooling of blood. Bruising is a symptom of varicose veins that should be evaluated by a physician, as it typically indicates an advanced stage of the disorder. It is never wise to ignore bruising around varicose veins, as spontaneous rupture may lead to certain complications or exacerbate other symptoms.
4. Heavy Legs
The sensation of heavy legs is a common symptom associated with varicose veins. This is believed to be due to the effect of blood pooling in the legs, instead of returning to the heart as efficiently as it should. Some individuals describe this symptom as the feeling of walking underwater or as if their feet are “stuck” or anchored to the ground. The most common area to feel this symptom is below the knee in the fleshy part of the calf; however, it is not entirely uncommon to feel the sensation from the hip down.
5. Itching
Although itching is listed among the signs and symptoms of varicose veins, in reality, it is not the actual vein that feels this itchy sensation. Rather, it is stress on the surrounding tissue from the bulging veins that creates this symptom, which is usually felt in the area of the ankle or calf. Stress on the surrounding tissue causes inflammation as well, which stretches the skin and subsequently makes it thinner. This can cause the skin to itch as well. Additionally, if a compromised vein wall leaks blood into the tissue by which it is surrounded, it may irritate nerve endings. Because the underlying cause of varicose veins is usually a circulation problem, the surrounding skin may become dry as well, which also creates an itchy, prickly feeling.
6. Swollen Legs
Swollen legs are a very common symptom of varicose veins, as the tissues surrounding the veins often become irritated and inflamed, ultimately leading to swelling. In addition, because blood has a tendency to pool in the legs when veins are not functioning at an optimum level, swelling is almost unavoidable. Those with varicose veins who must spend a significant amount of time standing or sitting at work may also experience this symptom, as sedentary positions only exacerbate poor blood flow. Elevating the legs above the level of the heart often alleviates this symptom, at least on a temporary basis.
7. Bleeding
Venous pressure within varicose veins near the foot or ankle can be almost as high as arterial blood pressure because of valve failure within the veins. The latter often occurs at multiple leg levels. Gravity affects this symptom as well. Bleeding varicose veins are a sign that the condition has progressed to an advanced level. Although this advanced stage of the disorder is not necessarily life-threatening, it should not be ignored. Rather, anyone who is experiencing bleeding under the skin or any signs of ruptured blood vessels should seek treatment from a medical professional.
