Varicose Veins and Other Vein Disorders

Symptoms

Varicose Veins

  • Bulging or twisted veins that you can see under the skin. They may be dark blue or purple.
  • Bruising, burning, itching, cramping, or aching in the legs, which standing can make worse.
  • Swelling of the legs that is better in the morning and worse as the day goes on.
  • Feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet
  • Pain or warmth in the legs.
  • Nighttime leg cramps
Call 911 if you see any bleeding from varicose veins. This is an emergency!

Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Varicose veins that lead to changes in skin color or swelling of the legs and ankles may be a condition called “chronic venous insufficiency.” This condition may cause serious pain, heaviness, cramping, skin sores, or ulcers.

Varicose veins may be inflamed inside the vein, which can cause blood clots. These clots are most common in the legs. They can also occur in the arms. If the clot is in a vein close to the skin, it is called superficial thrombophlebitis.

Deep Vein Thrombosis 

Deep vein thrombosis happens when a blood clot occurs in a large vein deep within your body. Symptoms include:

  • Swelling in the leg with the clot
  • General pain and pain when walking
  • Tenderness and warmth
  • Redness
  • Brownish color change in the skin

Symptoms usually become worse at the end of the day and may get better temporarily after laying down at night.

Blood clots are especially common after surgery or a long period of inactivity, like a long road trip or airplane ride.

A clot in a deep vein increases your risk of serious health problems. For example, a dislodged clot (embolism) could travel to your lungs and block a pulmonary artery, causing a potentially fatal condition called pulmonary embolism.

If you experience any symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, seek medical attention immediately.

 

Last Updated January 2023

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