Over 40 million Americans suffer from varicose veins, but they tend to go unnoticed until the veins become physically prominent. When veins are damaged or weakened, they can no longer efficiently pump blood back to the heart. Over time, you may notice swollen, twisted, purple-colored veins on your legs and question how they developed in the first place.
Early Signs of Varicose Veins
Before damage becomes visually apparent, your veins have already started to swell below the skin. You may experience leg pain, cramping, throbbing, a burning sensation or swelling around your ankles. The early signs and symptoms include:
- Swollen Feet and Ankles: People who spend all day on their feet might occasionally notice swelling or a burning sensation but if this becomes more frequent, your veins could be struggling to pump blood back to the heart.
- Achy Legs: It’s normal for your legs and feet to feel sore after physical activity, but varicose veins can also cause cramping or an itchy, tingling sensation.
- Tired, Heavy Legs: It may feel like there’s pressure being placed on your legs or you suddenly can’t move. This can be a sign that blood has started pooling in the legs.
- Skin Texture Changes: Your legs may appear abnormally shiny, dry or have discolored patches, accompanied by peeling or itchiness. These signs indicate inflammation from the pressure being placed on your veins and may be a precursor to ulcers.
Getting Diagnosed Early
You don’t have to wait until you see more prominent veins to get a diagnosis. If you’re experiencing a combination of the symptoms listed above, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound to examine blood flow. Early treatment helps decrease the progression of varicose veins and makes the condition more manageable.
Ignoring the early warning signs can cause your blood vessels to expand, experience more damage and place greater pressure on the artery walls. These factors increase your risks for blood clots and related conditions and may limit your mobility. In response, your doctor may steer you toward:
- Lifestyle changes like exercise, healthier eating and weight loss
- Wearing compression stockings to improve blood flow in the legs
- Non-invasive procedures to close off and re-route blood from damaged veins.
To learn more about the development of varicose veins and our treatment options, contact the Vein Centers of Connecticut today.