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You should call your doctor if you have varicose veins or venous disease and any of the following leg symptoms:
- dull aches or pain
- muscle cramps
- increased muscle fatigue in the lower legs
- ankle edema
- a feeling of heaviness of the legs
- nocturnal cramps
- pigmentation (brown patch of skin on the inner part of the ankle)
- ulceration
- recurrent skin infections (cellulitis) of the lower leg
If you have varicose veins, see a doctor if they are:
- increasingly painful
- becoming more red
- causing the skin over them to wear away
If you have varicose (enlarged, bulging) veins, you should call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Your varicose veins cause pain, especially if you are walking or standing.
- You develop sores that don't heal near the area of your varicose veins or on them. These might signal that you are experiencing poor fluid drainage from your skin and a lack of oxygen to the skin.
- The vein becomes swollen, red, or feels warm when you touch the area.
- The skin over your varicose vein begins to bleed.
- Your varicose veins worsen, even if you are not standing or walking for long periods, or they do not improve when you wear compression hose.
- You have a fever as well as a sudden increase in swelling, pain or redness in the area of your varicose veins.
- You notice a "pulling" feeling in your calf of the leg that has varicose veins, as well as pain, warmth, redness and swelling. These could be symptoms of a blood clot deep in your leg, which could be life-threatening if it breaks off and travels to your lungs.
- The skin on your calf and ankle has changed color and seems thicker.
- Your feet or ankles swell.
- Your varicose veins are interfering with normal daily activities, because they are causing physical symptoms, or because you are unhappy with their appearance.
Continue Learning about Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
Large twisted blue or purplish veins visible at the skins surface are known as varicose veins. Any vein in your body can become varicose but it usually occurs in the legs and feet due to the pressure the lower body endures to keep ...
your body upright. It is caused by the weakening of the valves and veins in your legs. Varicose veins are usually hereditary. We are also more prone to get varicose veins as we age. Symptoms include itching, burning, throbbing or cramping in the legs and around the veins. Self-care measures such as exercising, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings are used to ease the pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. If these measures dont work, see your doctor to discuss medical treatments that are available to close or remove varicose veins.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.