The zigzag lines or blue or purple bumps you see on the skin of your legs, feet or ankles could be a symptom of varicose veins . If not recognized and treated promptly, this is no longer simply an aesthetic problem but has many potential health risks.
So, what are the signs of varicose veins? Let’s find out if you are experiencing this situation or not!
Common symptoms of varicose veins
Blue or purple veins
The most recognizable symptom of varicose veins in the legs is dilated veins, which will appear as blue or purple veins on the skin. These veins will become twisted and swollen, like ropes floating on the skin. This condition often appears just under the surface of the skin on the legs, feet or ankles. Varicose veins can get worse and develop into plexuses.
Symptoms of spider veins
Spider veins surround the varicose veins, which are red or blue lines that are usually thinner and smaller than the varicose veins. Spider veins can appear anywhere on the body, but are often noticeable near the surface of the skin on the legs, behind the knees, and on the feet.
Symptoms of varicose veins are leg pain or a feeling of heaviness in the legs
You may also notice signs of varicose veins as the muscles in your legs become tired, heavy or gradually slower, especially after physical activity.
Hurt
Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs are also pain, especially behind the knees. The pain may become worse after you sit or stand for a long time.
You may also experience muscle cramps in your lower legs, especially at night. This uncomfortable feeling can make you restless and lose sleep.
Swelling of the feet and ankles
The ankles and feet may swell, burn, and sting.
Dry and itchy skin
The skin around the area with varicose veins may become dry, itchy, and thinner.
Changes in skin color around varicose veins
Severe varicose veins cause limited blood return and can cause mild swelling of the connective tissue under the skin over a long period of time, leading to more serious skin and tissue problems, such as slow-healing skin ulcers.
Typically, symptoms of varicose veins appear in the lower half of the body, usually from the calves, ankles and feet. However, they can also develop in the pelvic area (pelvic congestion syndrome), especially in women who have given birth. Varicose veins in the testicles (also known as varicocele) can also lead to infertility.
When should I see a doctor?
Symptoms of varicose veins are often more severe when you have to stand for long periods of time. However, symptoms may improve with gentle walking or if you rest and elevate your legs.
Although varicose veins are usually not serious and may not require treatment. However, if you are worried about varicose veins looking unsightly and feeling uncomfortable, or if home care measures are not effective, you should see a doctor for examination and treatment.
You should also see your doctor as soon as possible if you have the following signs of severe varicose veins :
- Pain and discomfort, especially at night
- Bleed
- Skin discoloration
- Pain, redness, or heat to the touch
- Veins swell.
For most people, varicose veins are not a serious health problem. Lifestyle changes and home care measures can relieve symptoms and prevent them from becoming more severe. However, in many cases, you may need to be examined and apply safe, minimally invasive treatment methods to help reduce pain and improve varicose veins, limiting the impact on your ability to function. move every day.
