When to Worry About Varicose Vein Pain
Complications Include Itching, Swelling, Bruises, and Numbness
© John Wu
Nov 15, 2009
Varicose veins and spider veins are blood vessels that have been damaged to the point where blood does not flow through them anymore. These veins have a purple or blue color due to containing blood that needs to be re-oxygenated by the heart. Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins, and normally do not cause any pain.
For some people, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern with no painful symptoms. In other people, varicose veins result in pain or symptoms that need to be treated by a medical professional.
This condition usually shows up in the legs because blood vessels there need to work the hardest to send blood back to the heart. Gravity and the body's entire weight being carried by the legs make it harder to pump the blood back. The combination of weakened blood vessels due to sun exposure and gravity makes the legs the most common location for varicose veins.
Causes of Varicose Vein Pain
As blood pools in varicose veins, it just sits there and grows. The pools of blood irritate surrounding skin tissue, which causes swelling. They sometimes cause blood clots as well. Blood clots can be dangerous if they ever get loose and travel to the lungs. This leads to a condition called pulmonary embolism, which is often fatal. Most cases of pulmonary embolism begin from the legs.
A bruise results if a varicose vein bursts due to damage or injury. Bruises on the skin are the result of blood vessels bursting near the skin, including spider veins and varicose veins. In most cases, the surrounding tissue absorbs the excess blood within six weeks with rest and ice. If the bruise is large, it may be a good idea to seek professional medical advice due to the possibility of blood clots.
Symptoms of Varicose Vein Pain
Some of the symptoms patients may develop include:
- aches
- swelling
- sores or skin ulcers
- bruising
- numbness
- itching near the varicose veins
- rash on the legs
Varicose Vein Treatment
Some steps to take at home that help prevent or treat varicose veins include using sunscreen, losing weight to take pressure off of the legs, eating a high fiber diet, minimizing the time spent sitting, and raising the legs as much as possible while resting.
If sores appear near the varicose veins, or if there might be circulation problems, contact a doctor for medical advice. Varicose veins that are tender or swollen also need treatment by a doctor.
If varicose veins are serious enough, there are many treatments for varicose veins from injections to laser surgery, depending on the size and location of varicose veins.
References:
US Department of Health and Human Services. "Varicose Veins and Spider Veins."
Mayo Clinic. "Varicose Veins."
Mayo Clinic. "Pulmonary embolism."
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