How painful are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are twisted, swollen, and enlarged veins that occur right below the skin. They are usually blue or purple in color and typically affect the legs and feet. Varicose veins develop due to malfunctioning of the valves in the veins that cannot bring blood back to the heart effectively as they work against gravity. There is no direct link between the appearance of varicose veins and the discomfort that they may cause. Sometimes, damaged veins that are less visible may become extremely painful. In other cases, large, twisted veins may lead to no discomfort whatsoever. In this article, we will discuss the pain caused due to varicose veins and their management. Symptoms of varicose veins: In some cases, varicose veins are only a cosmetic problem. They do not lead to any pain or discomfort. In other cases, varicose veins may lead to the following symptoms: Painful and uncomfortable legs Swelling of feet and ankles Burning or throbbing sensation Muscle cramps, especially at night Itchy skin over the affected area Discoloration of the skin Fatigue or heaviness in the legs The symptoms may become worse late in the day, during extended periods of standing up, or during warm weather. Pain due to varicose veins: Varicose veins are a common cause of leg pain. People suffering from varicose veins often describe the pain as a deep ache or heaviness. The pain experienced by different patients will vary. While some people experience mild or no discomfort, other people may experience severe symptoms. Certain conditions associated with varicose veins could increase the possibility of developing pain. These conditions include: When the varicose veins become inflamed and lead to blood clot formation, it may lead to a condition known as phlebitis, which shows symptoms of pain, hardness, heat, and discoloration. If the varicose vein bursts, blood could pool around the affected area and lead to the build-up of pressure and toxins. Sometimes, varicose veins could lead to the development of an ulcer, which is extremely painful. The skin in the affected area may tear due to varicose veins, which could cause extreme pain. Varicose veins can cause an itchy, inflamed rash, known as dermatitis. Dermatitis may lead to skin ulcers, bleeding, or sores that may be painful and may become infected if irritated or scratched. Varicose veins can cause inflammation and clot formation in the vein. This clot may be close to the skin surface and the condition is called superficial thrombophlebitis. This can lead to pain. Varicose veins may sometimes damage the lymphatic system to cause a condition known as lymphedema. This may lead to swelling and pain in the feet and toes. Relief from varicose veins pain: There are different ways in which the pain caused by varicose veins can be relieved. They include: Elevate your legs above the heart level while sitting or sleeping for at least 15 minutes at a time. This makes the flow of blood easier in the lower body to circulate toward the heart and enables the venous valves to function more effectively. Perform short exercises to stretch the calf muscles a few times a day. Flex the feet frequently, especially during long trips when the leg room is limited. Keep yourself well-hydrated and ensure that you move around as much as possible to support healthy blood circulation. Shower your legs with cold water. Cool temperatures lead to the shrinkage of the blood vessels and cause the alleviation of symptoms like swelling, pain, leg cramps, and heaviness. Prevention of pain due to varicose veins: The following tips can help in preventing pain associated with varicose veins: Wear special compression hosiery to prevent symptoms like heavy legs and swelling, and also avoid painful cramps at night. Put on compression stockings in the morning before you start walking. Avoid high heels and tight clothing as they put too much pressure on the different areas of the body and constrict the flow of blood. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, especially if you are expected to be on your feet the entire day. Conclusion: If varicose veins are leading to pain and discomfort on a regular basis, you need to talk to your vascular surgeon. Varicose veins have a tendency to get worse over time. Treatment of the underlying condition could cause a more effective solution to pain than a temporary solution to the symptoms. Your doctor will help you in managing the pain and other symptoms associated with varicose veins so you can lead a comfortable life.