Signs to Help Recognize the Onset of Varicose Veins

Five Key Points on Varicose Veins Onset

• Early symptoms of varicose veins include swollen feet, heavy or achy legs, nighttime cramps, skin discoloration, and burning or itching sensations, even before visible veins appear.
• Varicose veins occur when vein valves fail, causing blood to pool, most commonly in the lower legs, and can worsen over time if left untreated.
• Risk factors include genetics, prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, aging, hormonal changes, tobacco use, and overall health conditions.
• Serious complications like deep vein thrombosis, skin ulcers, and pulmonary embolism can result from untreated varicose veins, making early recognition and treatment essential.
• Diagnosis involves a physical exam and possibly an ultrasound, while treatments range from lifestyle changes and compression stockings to laser therapy and other medical intervention.

Many people know that twisted, swollen veins that are purple or blue are a sign of varicose veins. While visible veins on the lower legs just below the skin's surface are the most obvious sign, they are often not the first indication that someone is developing varicose veins. Your body will present other, sometimes surprising signs that you have started to develop this condition. Recognizing the early symptoms of varicose veins and learning what causes them can help you manage your condition and slow its progression.

Understanding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can develop almost anywhere in your body, but are most common in your lower legs. They develop when the valves that control blood flow do not work properly. One-way valves in your legs are supposed to help pump blood back to the heart. When these tiny valves start to fail, blood pools, causing classic varicose veins symptoms. When left untreated, varicose veins will continue to worsen, with some issues becoming life-threatening.

Some patients with varicose veins may develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when blood clots form in blood vessels in the legs. When a blood clot breaks free and moves to your lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism. If you notice a hot, sore area on your leg, seek immediate medical attention.

Know Your Risk Factors

Those with a family history of varicose veins have the most significant risk of developing them. A higher percentage of women than men suffer from varicose veins. However, even if you don't have a family history of this condition, you may still have a risk of developing varicose veins if you experience any of the following:

• Standing or sitting for long periods
• Are overweight or have obesity
• A family history of blood clots, especially in the legs
• Congenital vein issues
• Tobacco use
• Overall health
• Aging

Hormonal changes associated with using birth control pills or entering menopause also put women at a higher risk of varicose veins.

Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can start deep inside the legs, where the characteristic swollen veins are impossible to see. Nevertheless, their presence can produce classic varicose vein symptoms, which may leave you wondering what's going on. You may not be aware that the following symptoms may indicate varicose veins, yet they may significantly affect the quality of your daily life.

Swollen Feet

Chronic swelling of the feet and ankles is common due to malfunctioning blood vessels that fail to efficiently return blood to the heart. This causes pooling blood, leading to fluid leakage into surrounding tissues. Swelling usually worsens as the day progresses. Hormonal changes during a woman's menstrual cycle can exacerbate the swelling.

Heavy, Achy Legs

Sore and aching legs are other symptoms resulting from the inability of impaired veins to pump blood back to the heart. Pressure and fluid build throughout the day, while gravity exacerbates the situation, leading to intense pain and discomfort.

Muscle Cramps or Restless Legs

Muscle cramps in the legs or thighs at night, or after sitting for prolonged periods, are another early sign of varicose veins. Similarly, varicose veins may also cause restless legs syndrome, which also occurs at night. This condition causes involuntary jerking and a crawling sensation in the lower legs, which can disrupt sleep.

General Skin Discoloration

Skin discoloration, usually a brownish or bluish tint, near varicose veins, occurs due to poor blood flow. Improper blood flow causes blood to leak into the surrounding tissue, resulting in a darkening or reddish-brown stain. This symptom often indicates an advanced form of the disease. When left untried, your skin may also become hard, scaly and thick due to pressure and chronic inflammation.

Burning and Itching

If you feel a tingling or burning sensation in your legs, you may have varicose veins placing pressure on nerves or causing other issues that affect normal bodily function in that area. Once again, inflammation leads to a burning and itching sensation. Over time, sores that leak fluid and form scabs can develop. The burning and itching sensation can intensify when left untreated, requiring advanced varicose vein treatment.

Throbbing Sensation

A throbbing or pulsating feeling in the legs — especially one that gets worse after prolonged standing or sitting — can be a sign that you have varicose veins developing in your legs. If this is the case, note the area and monitor it to see if anything specific spurs the sensation, then relay this information to a vein specialist.

Skin Ulcers

When left untreated, varicose veins can lead to skin ulcers. These ulcers result from untreated skin discoloration and thinning, particularly around the lower leg and ankle. The compromised skin breaks down, resulting in painful ulcers. These severe sores can take years to heal, as they are prone to infection.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose varicose veins, your doctor will perform a physical exam to note visible dark purple veins, swelling, skin color changes, skin ulcers, and more. Your medical professional will ask questions about your lifestyle, especially if work or other activities require long periods of standing or sitting. If you suspect severe varicose veins, your doctor may perform a duplex ultrasound test to check blood flow and look for blood clots.

Although it's almost impossible to prevent varicose veins, you can select from various non-invasive and minimally invasive methods to treat varicose veins and reduce discomfort. These include:

• Compression stockings
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Laser therapy

Varicose Vein Treatment At VIVAA

If you have bulging veins and want to stop varicose veins from progressing, VIVAA can help. Our Seattle-area medical spa will provide appropriate treatment options to help avoid serious complications. Contact us by calling 425-250-9999 or completing our  Request an Appointment form to give your leg veins the relief they need.