Symptoms of varicose veins

Symptoms of Varicose Veins: A Detailed Guide to Recognizing Venous Insufficiency

Varicose veins (also known as varices) are more than just a cosmetic problem with visible, twisted veins. They are a visible sign of chronic venous insufficiency - a condition where the vein valves in the legs do not close properly.

Knowing the various symptoms of varicose veins is crucial for seeking timely and effective treatment for varicose veins to avoid long-term complications. This guide describes the early signs, common discomforts, and advanced symptoms that indicate the need for laser treatment for varicose veins.

1. The Visible Symptoms of Varices

The most recognizable symptoms of varicose veins are the visible changes that occur when the veins dilate due to increased pressure (venous reflux).

1. Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

• Visible, Twisted Veins: The classic varicose veins appear as bluish or dark purple veins that bulge and twist under the skin. They most often occur on the calves and back of the thighs.

[Illustration of a severely bulging varicose vein]

• Spider Veins: These are very small, fine, reddish or bluish vessels in the skin. Although they are rarely harmful to health, they are often the earliest cosmetic sign of an underlying vein problem.

1. Swelling and Edema

Swelling is one of the most frequent symptoms of varices, especially late in the day.

• Cause: When the vein valves fail, pressure increases, and fluid is pushed out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue.
• Location: The swelling (edema) is typically seen around the ankles and feet. In advanced cases, the swelling can extend up the calf.

2. The Palpable Symptoms (Subjective Discomforts)

Before visible varicose veins develop, many patients experience vague but persistent subjective discomforts in their legs. These symptoms of varicose veins typically worsen after long periods of standing or sitting.

Fatigue, Heaviness, and Pain

• Heavy Legs: A feeling that the legs are tired and heavy - often described as if weights are attached to the ankles. This is an early and very common symptom of venous insufficiency.
• Tenderness and Pain: Many experience a dull, throbbing, or burning pain, especially along the affected veins. The pain is often relieved when the legs are elevated.
• Restless Legs: Discomfort and a feeling of restless legs are also common symptoms of varices.

Nighttime Discomfort and Cramps

• Night Cramps: Frequent, sudden, and painful cramps, especially in the calf muscles at night, can be a sign of poor blood circulation and venous reflux.
• Aching and Itching: Persistent itching (pruritus) over the affected veins is a symptom caused by irritation from accumulated waste products in the tissue.

3. Advanced Symptoms (Complications)

If treatment for varicose veins is delayed, the chronically high pressure can lead to severe skin changes and ulcers. These advanced symptoms of varicose veins indicate that effective treatment for varices is necessary to avoid permanent damage.

1. Skin Changes

• Discoloration (Hemosiderin Deposition): Blood leaking from the veins contains iron. This iron is deposited in the skin, causing a brownish or rust-colored discoloration (hyperpigmentation), especially around the ankles.
• Hard/Thicker Legs (Lipodermatosclerosis): The skin and underlying fat tissue become inflamed, hard, and leathery. This is a sign of advanced chronic venous insufficiency.
• Eczema and Itching: Persistent venous eczema can develop around the varicose veins.

1. Venous Leg Ulcers

The most severe symptom of advanced varices is the development of venous leg ulcers (ulcus cruris venosum).

• Cause: The constant high pressure damages the skin, and even a small trauma can develop into an ulcer that has great difficulty healing due to poor blood flow.
• Treatment: Ulcers often require aggressive treatment of varices and compression to create an environment where the ulcer can close.

[Illustration of skin discoloration and possibly a venous ulcer]

Assessment and Treatment of Varicose Veins

If you recognize one or more of these symptoms of varicose veins, it is important to have a professional assessment.

At Kirurgen.dk, we perform an ultrasound scan (Duplex scan) to precisely locate the defective vein valves, which are the primary cause of the varicose veins.

The most effective and gentle treatment for varicose veins today is laser treatment for varicose veins (EVLA). This procedure closes the diseased vein minimally invasively and ensures a quick recovery.

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins:

• Symptom relief: Stops reflux and relieves the pain, heaviness, and swelling associated with varices.
• Minimally invasive: Performed under local anesthesia, allowing for quick return to normal activities.
• Prevention of complications: Prevents the development of advanced skin changes and ulcers.

Do you suspect varicose veins? Contact us to learn more about your options for laser treatment for varicose veins and treatment for varices.