Symptoms of varicose veins Part 3

Pain: Mild varicose veins are painless. Pain only occurs when blood clots form inside varicose veins and cause irritation of nerves. The pain is not diffuse but localized along length of the vein. Individuals who have very large “rope like” veins usually have prominent points of tenderness.

Phlebitis: When blood clots form inside varicose veins, this is known as phlebitis. The blood clots irritate nerves, induce redness and pain. The outer surface of skin may appear red and swollen. Phlebitis can cause pain while walking. The condition is best treated with aspirin, an NSAIDS, rest, and compression stockings. When induration is severe, there may also be a need to use an antibiotic

Numbness and tingling. Some individuals with varicose veins will complain of numbness or tingling on inside of the lower leg. These neural symptoms occur because of irritation of nerves that runs with the varicose veins.

Burning sensation. There are some individuals with varicose veins who complain of moderate degree of a burning sensation on bottom of their feet. It is not known if these sensations are strictly related to varicose veins, because the sensations persist even after varicose veins have been treated. In some cases, the burning sensation lessens while resting.

What conditions can worsen symptoms of varicose veins?

- Pregnant women usually have the most severe symptoms.
The symptoms usually start in the 2nd trimester and
continue until the baby is delivered
- Varicose veins tend to be more symptomatic around
ovulation in child bearing women
- Women who take the birth control pill tend to develop
varicose veins more often than women who do not take
the medication
- Individuals who stand around for prolonged times tend
to develop severe varicose veins
- Obesity is known to promote development of varicose veins
- Sometimes trauma to thigh area or lower leg can damage
the thin vein and later result in formation of varicosities

Many women have none of the above risk factors and still develop varicose veins- this is simply bad luck