Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisting veins, often appearing blue or dark purple. They happen when faulty valves in the veins allow blood to flow in the wrong direction or to pool.
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What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins usually do not cause any pain. Signs you may have varicose veins include:
- Veins may be dark purple or blue in color
- Veins appear twisted and/or bulging; they are often like cords on your legs
While rare, when painful signs and symptoms occur, they may include:
- An achy or heavy feeling in your legs
- Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
- Worsened pain after sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Itching around one or more of your veins
- Skin discoloration around a varicose vein
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they’re smaller. Spider veins are found closer to the skin’s surface and are often red or blue.
Spider veins occur on the legs, but can also be found on the face. They vary in size and often look like a spider’s web.
Did you know?
More than 23 percent of all adults are thought to be affected by varicose veins. Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States is affected by varicose veins. In severe cases, a varicose vein may rupture, or develop into varicose ulcers on the skin. These will require treatment.
