Varicose Veins
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins close to your skin’s surface. The name varicose comes from the Latin root varix, which means twisted. Any vein may become varicose, but the most commonly affected areas are legs and feet.
What are some Signs or Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
You may have symptoms even before varicose veins appear. Signs and symptoms may include:
- An achy or heavy feeling in your legs and burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs. Prolonged sitting or standing tends to make your legs feel worse.
- Enlarged veins readily seen under the skin of your legs.
- Brownish-gray discoloration on your ankle.
- Itching around one of your veins.
- Skin ulcers near your ankle, which represent a severe form of vascular disease and require immediate attention.
Occasionally, veins deep within your legs are involved. In such cases, your limbs may swell considerably. Any sudden leg swelling that may or may not be accompanied by pain and redness warrants urgent medical attention, as it may indicate a blood clot.
