Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins

First of all, in order to understand what are varicose veins and how they develop, please go through my previous hub, “How varicose veins develop and how they become painful?”. For understanding what are the signs and symptoms of varicose veins, read on…..

As you may know, the appearance of varicose veins is easily identifiable because they are thick and twisted veins that appear mostly along the legs and feet, most people confuse varicose veins with spider veins but remember that the spider veins, which look like a limited network of veins located in the superficial layers of the skin anywhere on our body are associated with venous disorders but are different than varicose veins.

Now, in order to differentiate varicose veins and spider veins, you must understand that with varicose veins, the patients experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Blood clots.
• Ulcers on the skin.
• Feeling of sensitivity.
• Feeling of pain.
• Feeling of burning.
• Feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Varicose veins can be relieved using some simple measures listed below:

1. Lie on your back with your feet slightly elevated and extended on the level of the head several times during the day. It stimulates blood flow in the legs. Exercising daily and taking hot baths also relieves some pain sensations.
2. Even a short walk stimulates circulation.
3. Use elastic stockings that provide special support and fit well. The elastic supports are used to prevent the veins from becoming inflamed and sore. These elastic supports must be put up before and should be the first thing to use in the morning; however, it is highly advised to not use any type of clothing that you squeeze in the groin area, the thighs or knees, such as suspenders, underwear, or tight sleeves or trousers that are very tight because use of these may worsen your varicose veins.

By using the above listed three steps, you will be able to calm down your varicose veins on your own without the help of your doctor but this is only recommended for mild signs and symptoms of varicose veins. In case you are experiencing chronic signs and symptoms of varicose veins and your varicose veins are rather painful and swollen and not under control, just contact your family practitioner who will refer you to a vascular disease surgeon or varicose veins specialist. Also in my next hub, Varicose Veins Surgery and Pain Management With Injections, I have talked about how doctors treat severe conditions of varicose veins with pain management procedures such as injections and invasive procedures like surgery of varicose veins but always remember that these procedures are done on patients who develop severe signs and symptoms of varicose veins whose problem has become chronic lasting for several months or years.

One more thing, I found this link full of simple info on varicose veins, please visit: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Index on Large veins, ankle swelling, skin ulcers, and foot swelling