Varicose vein pain: Symptoms and treatment

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins. They are often blue or dark purple and lumpy, bulging, and twisted in appearance. They occur on the legs and feet.

Not all varicose veins bulge to the surface; sometimes they can be invisible and buried deep in the body. Therefore, some people experience pain and discomfort for a long time before discovering the cause.

Almost anyone can have varicose veins, and according to the Society for Vascular Surgery, they affect around 35 percent of people in America.

Fast facts on varicose vein pain:

• Some people may experience no symptoms beyond appearance.
• Varicose veins near the skin surface can burst and leak due to physical trauma.
• There are ways to ease the symptoms associated with varicose veins.

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Share on PinterestVaricose veins may not always cause symptoms, and symptoms may only be present in certain conditions, such as warm weather.

Sometimes, varicose veins cause no symptoms, while other times, they produce a range of symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• aching and uncomfortable legs
• swollen feet and ankles
• burning or throbbing
• muscle cramps, particularly at night
• itchy skin over the affected area
• skin discoloration
• heaviness or fatigue in the legs

Symptoms tend to be worse during warm weather, late in the day, or when a person has been standing up for extended periods.

Pain

Varicose veins are a common cause of leg pain. People often describe the pain as heaviness or a deep ache.

There are varying degrees of pain associated with varicose veins, and some people experience severe symptoms.

One condition that can cause pain is known as phlebitis, which occurs when varicose veins become inflamed and form blood clots. Signs that a person may have phlebitis include:

• pain
• heat
• hardness
• discoloration

If a vein bursts, blood can pool around the affected area and pressure and toxins may build up. Sometimes an ulcer may develop, or a person’s skin may tear as a result of a varicose vein, which can be extremely painful.

Lymphedema

Share on PinterestIdentifying varicose veins, and taking steps to treat them, may help to prevent complications, such as lymphedema.

Varicose veins can also cause problems elsewhere in the body — specifically the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that help transport and remove waste products and toxins. It plays a major role in immune system function.

Sometimes, varicose veins can damage the lymphatic system and lead to a condition called lymphedema, which causes swelling, often in the feet and toes.

Some people who have lymphedema may also develop cellulitis — a serious skin infection that causes inflammation to the soft tissue of the skin.

Other people may develop venous stasis dermatitis, where the skin becomes leathery and ruddy-brown. Sometimes clear-yellow fluid weeps through the skin.

Dermatitis

Varicose veins can also lead to dermatitis, which is an itchy, inflamed rash. When caused by varicose veins, the rash will often appear on the lower leg or ankle.

Dermatitis can cause bleeding, skin ulcers, or sores that can be painful and become infected if scratched or irritated.

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Varicose veins can also lead to inflammation and the formation of a clot in the vein. Often this clot will be close to the surface of the skin in a condition known as superficial thrombophlebitis.

This can cause pain and lead to other problems in the affected area.

Unfortunately, there is little evidence that people can prevent varicose veins from occurring, but they can make various lifestyle changes that may help lessen symptoms and possibly prevent varicose veins from worsening.

Prevention and symptom relief methods include:

• avoiding standing or sitting for extended periods
• trying to move around at least every 30 minutes
• raising the affected area raised above the level of the heart when sitting, resting, or sleeping
• doing regular exercise to improve circulation
• losing weight if overweight
• avoiding tight-fitting clothes, particularly those that are tight around the waist, groin, and legs
• avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes for long periods

Share on PinterestCompression stocking are a non-surgical and economical option for treating varicose veins.

Varicose veins do not always require treatment. However, if they are causing pain, there are various treatment options available.

If symptoms are minimal to mild, the doctor will likely advise the person to try the prevention methods mentioned above first to see if they help reduce pain and discomfort.

If they do not help, then a doctor might recommend the following treatment methods:

Compression stockings

In the first instance, a doctor will likely suggest compression stockings combined with elevating the legs and exercising regularly. A person may need to wear the stockings for around 6 months before they feel the full effect.

Compression stockings compress the leg tissue around the veins to prevent blood from pooling. They are designed to help reduce associated aching and swelling.

Ablation

Ablation uses heat to seal the affected veins either by a laser or radiofrequency.

Ablation treatment is often administered in the doctor’s office and takes around 20 minutes. The doctor uses a local anesthetic to numb the affected area, so the procedure is painless. Once the ablation is complete, the doctor will wrap the area in a compression bandage.

Sclerotherapy

This procedure involves injecting a foam called sclerosant into a varicose vein. The foam causes the vein to spasm, scar, and clot, which will then close the vein off.

This type of clot is not dangerous and, over time, the varicose vein will disappear.

Surgery

Some people may require surgery, which can include ligation — where the veins are tied to stop the blood pooling — or stripping, where a surgeon removes the vein.

Doctors do not consider varicose veins to be a serious condition, and people who have them without any discomfort do not need to see a doctor.

However, if they are causing pain, discomfort, or irritation — particularly at night — then people should seek medical treatment.

It is worth remembering that because varicose veins are not always visible, anyone who experiences aching, swelling, or fatigue should still see their doctor for evaluation.

Treatment, causes, symptoms, and more

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, twisting veins that often appear blue or dark purple in color. Varicose veins typically develop on the legs, either on the inside of the leg or behind the knee.

They develop when faulty or damaged valves in the veins allow blood to flow in the wrong direction or to pool.

More than 23% of all adults are thought to be affected by varicose veins. Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States have varicose veins.

If a person has no symptoms or discomfort and does not mind the sight of the varicose veins, treatment might not be necessary. Most people with varicose veins can get enough relief from home remedies, such as compression stockings.

However, if a person has symptoms that do not improve easily, they may require medical treatment to reduce pain or discomfort or to address complications such as leg ulcers, skin discoloration, or swelling.

Some individuals may also want treatment for cosmetic reasons, wanting to get rid of the “ugly” varicose veins.

Surgery

If varicose veins are large, they may need to be removed surgically. This is usually done under a general anesthetic. In most cases, the patient can go home the same day. However, if surgery is required on both legs, they may need to spend one night in the hospital.

Laser treatments are often used to close off smaller veins and also spider veins. Strong bursts of light are applied to the vein, which gradually fades and disappears.

Ligation and stripping

Two incisions are made: one near the patient’s groin at the top of the target vein, and the other farther down the leg, either at the ankle or knee. The top of the vein is tied up and sealed. A thin, flexible wire is threaded through the bottom of the vein and then pulled out, taking the vein with it.

This procedure does not usually require a hospital stay. Ligation and stripping can sometimes result in bruising, bleeding, and pain. On extremely rare occasions, there may be deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is when a blood clot forms in the vein of the leg.

After surgery, most patients will begin to recover within a few days, but they may need a few weeks before going back to work and other regular duties. During the recovery time, they will need to wear compression stockings.

Sclerotherapy

A doctor injects a chemical into small- and medium-size varicose veins, which scars and closes them. A few weeks later, they should fade. A vein may need to be injected more than once.

Radiofrequency ablation

A doctor makes a small incision either above or below the knee with the help of an ultrasound scan. They then thread a narrow tube, or catheter, into the vein.

The doctor then inserts a probe into the catheter, which emits radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency energy heats up the vein, causing its walls to collapse, effectively closing it and sealing it shut. This procedure is preferred for larger varicose veins.

Radiofrequency ablation is usually done with a local anesthetic.

Endovenous laser treatment

A doctor inserts a catheter into the patient’s vein. They then thread a small laser through the catheter and position it at the top of the target vein, which delivers short energy bursts that heat up the vein, sealing it shut.

With the aid of an ultrasound scan, the doctor threads the laser all the way up the vein, gradually burning and sealing all of it. This procedure is done under local anesthetic. There may be some nerve injury, which is usually brief.

Transilluminated powered phlebectomy

A doctor threads an endoscopic transilluminator, which is a special light, through an incision under the skin so that they can see which veins need to be taken out. They then cut and remove the target veins with a suction device through the incision.

A general or local anesthetic may be used for this procedure. There may be some bleeding and bruising after the operation.

A person can take measures at home to improve pain and prevent their varicose veins from worsening.

These measures include:

• exercising
• reaching a moderate body weight
• raising the legs
• avoiding prolonged standing or sitting

There are also many over-the-counter natural treatments, usually topical creams, and emollients available. They can help soothe pain and promote comfort. They may also improve the general appearance of varicose veins.

Compression stockings

Compression stockings squeeze a person’s legs and improve circulation.

They are tight around the ankles and loose farther up the leg. In this way, compression stockings encourage proper blood flow upward, against gravity, and back toward the heart.

Compression stockings may help with discomfort, pain, and swelling, but research has not confirmed whether they stop the varicose veins from worsening or even prevent them. Studies have yielded mixed and conflicting results.

The stockings make some people’s skin dry and flaky. If this happens, it is important to contact a doctor.

The veins have one-way valves so that the blood can travel in only one direction. If the walls of the vein become stretched and less flexible, or elastic, the valves may get weaker.

A weakened valve can allow blood to leak backward and eventually flow in the opposite direction. When this occurs, blood can accumulate in a vein or veins, which then become enlarged and swollen.

The veins farthest from the heart, such as those in the legs, are most often affected. This is because gravity makes it harder for the blood to flow back to the heart.

Any condition that puts pressure on the abdomen has the potential to cause varicose veins. Examples include:

• pregnancy
• constipation
• tumors, in rare cases

Another example is chronic venous insufficiency, which is when the skin does not exchange oxygen, nutrients, and waste products with the blood properly, because the blood flow is not strong enough.

Health experts are not sure why the walls of veins stretch or why the valves become faulty. In many cases, this occurs for no clear reason.

However, some potential risk factors include:

• going through menopause
• being pregnant
• being over 50 years old
• standing for long periods
• having a family history of varicose veins
• having obesity

There is a link between the following risk factors and a higher risk of having varicose veins:

• Gender: Varicose veins affect females more often than males. It may be that female hormones relax veins. If so, taking birth control pills or hormone therapy might play a role.
• Genetics: Varicose veins often run in families.
• Obesity: Having overweight or obesity increases the risk of varicose veins.
• Age: The risk increases with age due to wear and tear on vein valves.
• Some jobs: An individual who has to spend a long time standing at work may have a higher likelihood of developing varicose veins.

Pregnancy and varicose veins

People who can get pregnant are much more likely to develop varicose veins during pregnancy than at any other time in their lives. Pregnant people have much more blood in their bodies, which places extra pressure on the circulatory system.

Additionally, changes in hormone levels can lead to a relaxation of the blood vessel walls. Both these factors raise the risk of having varicose veins.

As the uterus, or womb, grows, there is more pressure on the veins in the person’s pelvic area. In the majority of cases, the varicose veins go away after the pregnancy is over. However, this is not always the case, and sometimes, even if the varicose veins improve, there may be some left visible.

Varicose veins are large, swollen veins that often appear on the legs and feet. They develop when the valves in the veins do not work properly, and the blood does not flow as effectively.

The varicose veins rarely need treatment for health reasons, but if swelling, aching, and painful legs result, and if there is considerable discomfort, treatment is available. There are various options, including some home remedies.

In severe cases, a varicose vein may rupture, or it can develop into varicose ulcers on the skin. These will require treatment.

While in most cases varicose veins tend to be just uncomfortable and unsightly, sometimes, they can be dangerous if left untreated.

If a person does not get proper treatment, their varicose veins can prevent proper blood circulation. This can cause blood clots to form, which can lead to DVT, a life threatening condition.

Moreover, if untreated, varicose veins can burst. This is also a medical emergency.

In the majority of cases, there is no pain, but the veins may look twisted, swollen, and lumpy, or bulging, and they may be blue or dark purple in color.

Some individuals may also experience:

• aching legs
• a feeling of heavy legs, especially after exercise or during sleep time
• a minor injury to the affected area possibly resulting in longer bleeding than normal
• lipodermatosclerosis, where fat under the skin just above the ankle can become hard, resulting in the skin shrinking
• swollen ankles
• telangiectasia in the affected leg (spider veins)
• a shiny skin discoloration near the varicose veins
• venous eczema, or stasis dermatitis, where skin in the affected area is red, dry, and itchy
• leg cramps when suddenly standing up
• restless legs syndrome
• atrophie blanche, which is when irregular whitish patches that look like scars appear at the ankles

Share on PinterestVaricose veins are large, bulging veins that usually present in the legs and thighs and can be very painful.
zlikovec/Getty Images.

Share on PinterestVaricose veins are large veins that look as though they are protruding from your lower legs. They may cause no symptoms at all, or they may cause pain, discomfort, and burning.
zlikovec/Getty Images.

Share on PinterestCompression stocking provide pressure, which helps prevent blood from pooling in your legs. This helps reduce pain and discomfort. Ablation therapy and sclerotherapy are alternative, more invasive options to treat varicose veins.
Gavrilovic/Getty Images.

Share on PinterestVaricose veins are most commonly caused by chronic venous insufficency. When the valves in veins do not function correctly, blood collects, causing varicose veins.
Troyan/Shutterstock.

Share on PinterestVaricose veins can cause complications, such as clots or deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities. Clots can travel to a lung or the heart and cause a pulmonary embolism or heart attack. licsiren/Getty Images.

Share on PinterestIn severe cases of varicose veins, ulceration of the skin can occur. This can lead to infection and increased pain.
arhiv/Shuuterstock.

Any condition in which proper blood flow is undermined has a risk of complications. However, in the majority of cases, varicose veins produce no complications.

If complications do occur, they may include:

• venous ulcers
• poor circulation
• thrombophlebitis, which is when blood clots in the vein of the leg cause inflammation of the vein
• DVT

People with chronic venous insufficiency may develop:

• varicose eczema
• lipodermatosclerosis
• venous ulcers

Venous ulcers classically form around ankles and are often preceded by a discolored area. It is important to get a medical evaluation for chronic venous insufficiency.

To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, it is advisable to:

• get plenty of exercise, such as walking
• reach or maintain a moderate body weight
• avoid standing still for too long
• avoid sitting with the legs crossed
• sit or sleep with the feet raised on a pillow

Anyone who has to stand for their job should try to move around at least once every 30 minutes.

A physical examination, mainly visual, by a doctor will help determine whether or not a person has varicose veins. The person will be asked to stand while the doctor checks for signs of swelling.

A doctor may also order a doppler test, also known as a duplex ultrasound. The technician may perform one or both forms of this test. These are gray scale B-mode ultrasound and color-flow doppler ultrasound.

Gray scale B-mode ultrasound shows the anatomical structure of the veins. By contrast, color-flow doppler ultrasound provides color images of the structure of veins and measures the speed of blood flow.

A person may also be asked questions about the symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may refer them to a vascular specialist.

Varicose veins are veins that become too big, swell, and twist. They typically develop when blood flow is obstructed, and the blood cannot flow as effectively. They usually affect the legs and feet, but they may occur in other parts of the body as well.

In many cases, varicose veins only cause mild discomfort, and a person can manage them with home remedies. Sometimes, however, they may cause pain and require more serious treatment.

If a person has varicose veins, they may want to contact a doctor, even if their symptoms are not severe, in order to make sure they can avoid serious complications, such as DVT.

Why the veins in my arms hurt

Arm vein pain is a very common problem that causes both physical and psychological discomfort. It is very difficult to name the exact cause of pain in the veins in the arms, modern medicine has a large number of diseases that can cause them. Among them are both harmless pathologies and extremely serious diseases that can lead to death. That is why it is so important to contact a specialist in a timely manner for diagnosis and immediate treatment.

The main causes of pain in the veins in the arms

Below you can find the main diseases and pathologies that can cause pain in the veins in the arms:

• Varicose veins . This disease is characterized by impaired blood circulation and the formation of blood stasis. This is due to the thinning of the vascular wall, the expansion of the veins and, as a result, the weakening of the valvular apparatus. In addition to pain in the veins of the hands, varicose veins have a number of accompanying symptoms: an increase in the volume of veins, the appearance of spider veins, a decrease in efficiency and a general deterioration in well-being.
• Thrombosis . Usually, this disease manifests itself due to the lack of treatment for varicose veins. Obvious signs of thrombosis, this is a severe circulatory disorder due to clogging of the veins with thrombotic masses. But it should be borne in mind that varicose veins are not always the cause of thrombosis. Also, this disease can be caused by: some drugs, the presence of oncological diseases, infection in the blood, mechanical injuries, etc.
• Post-phlebitic syndrome . Most often manifested as a consequence of deep vein thrombosis. It is characterized by severe pain and significant inflammation of the veins.
• Phlebitis . Inflammatory processes in the veins are often the cause of pain in the hands. This disease differs from varicose veins by reddening of the skin, fever and significant swelling. The most common cause of phlebitis is medical intervention. This may include placing a catheter or taking blood from a vein.
• Paget-Schroetter syndrome . With prolonged standing of the subclavian catheter, blockage of the corresponding vessel may occur. This leads to difficulty in the outflow of blood. As a result, there are pains in the arm and shoulder, swelling, loss of sensitivity, discoloration of the skin towards a bluish tint. In this case, the pain is characterized by a feeling of heaviness in the arm.
• Blood sampling . Under a number of circumstances, drawing blood from the veins can cause pain in the veins of the hands. The manifestation of this problem, you will most likely notice immediately. Swelling forms at the injection site, the veins harden, when pressed, you experience discomfort and your body temperature may slightly increase. With this problem, we strongly recommend that you visit a specialist as soon as possible to receive qualified assistance. Only in this way, you can effectively get rid of the pain in the veins.

Less common causes of arm vein pain

The above conditions are not all causes of arm vein pain. Less popular are:

• A sharp increase in blood pressure. Because of this, the volume of blood circulation increases significantly, which causes pain and discomfort in the veins in the arms.
• Excessive sports or heavy lifting.
• Skin hyperpigmentation. With this disease, there is a malfunction in the circulation of red blood cells, which often causes pain in the veins in the arms.
• Trophic ulcers. They are formed due to a lack of nutrients in the blood, as well as the deposition of fibrin. Most often they develop on the legs (shins) of a person, but in rare cases they can also be localized on the inside of the hands.

You might be interested

Relief of pain symptoms in case of varicose veins

Varicose veins have many symptoms, but pain in the legs is especially common among patients. Elimination of pain makes sense only with the correct diagnosis and treatment, since painkillers and folk remedies mask the problem, and varicose veins progress further. It is reasonable for a person to eliminate the cause of pain – in this case, the removal of pain symptoms is part of the treatment.

Pain before surgery

It is recommended not to draw conclusions without consulting a phlebologist. Pain is not only caused by varicose veins – it is a symptom of many diseases, including neuralgia and arterial disease. The main cause of pain in varicose veins is a violation of the blood flow associated with the failure of the venous valves to perform their functions, and the subsequent increase in pressure in certain parts of the veins. To eliminate pain, you can reduce pressure or try to restore elasticity to the veins – this principle is exploited by many folk remedies. However, it must be remembered that these drugs do not stop the development of the disease:

• Keep your legs elevated. Due to the fact that the legs are above the level of the heart, they significantly reduce blood pressure. It is useful in the initial stages of varicose veins.

• Take a contrast shower. The alternation of cold and warm water increases the tone of the veins, but too hot water should not be used, and the stream of water should help the blood move through the veins, i.e. move from the stop.

• Use heparin-containing gels. These drugs have a weak therapeutic effect, but, like venotonics, they are used as part of complex treatment.

• Wear compression stockings. Knitwear does not replace EVLA and surgery, but in the early stages it relieves pain and relieves swelling.