Symptoms of Varicose Veins
/Varicose veins are veins which are abnormally and irregularly swollen. This is the part of the arterial system that returns blood to the heart after oxygen has been delivered to the tissues. Varicose veins can occur in multiple different areas of the body on both men and women. The most common form goes down in either one or both of two large veins near the surface of the leg. Varicose veins can also occur inside the anus, the vagina and the testicles as well as spider veins which can occur on the face and upper arms.
The signs and symptoms of varicose veins will depend upon the area of the body which is experiencing the varicose veins. In the legs, individuals will recognize symptoms such as itchy or heavy legs, especially if they have been sitting or standing for any length of time. Varicose veins will also appear blue and twisted. If they are severe the skin covering the leg can also become dry, itchy and swollen.
Both men and women will experience itchiness over the area where the vein is located as the skin becomes dry. A section of the vein can also become engorged with blood and tender after prolonged sitting and standing. This condition is called phlebitis. Although it is uncommon, varicose veins can be injured and bleed. More commonly individuals will suffer from open sores in the area of the leg normally drained by the vein. They can also occur near the ankle where individuals may suffer increased amounts of swelling and decreased amounts of perfusion from both the vein and the artery system.
Individuals who have varicose veins of the legs may also suffer from the entire leg swelling or swollen feet and ankles. They may complain of leg muscle cramping, especially at night as well as poor healing of any open sores are also. Oftentimes varicose veins are accompanied by spider veins. And, related to the decreased removal of blood and toxins from the area, and individual can suffer from eczema on their legs.
Varicose names can also occur in the testicles where they cause swelling and feelings of heaviness. Men finds that the swelling reduces quickly after lying down but can just as quickly become swollen once they stand up. Some men are plagued by pain and discomfort while others experienced a reduction in fertility related to the increased heat from the blood supply in the scrotum.
Varicose veins can also occur around the anus and rectum, commonly called hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are more likely to occur when individuals have hard stools, are chronically constipated and strained to have a bowel movement. All of these issues increase the amount of pressure in the veins that feed the rectal area and increase the risk of the development of hemorrhoids. Individuals will experience itchiness, pain and swelling.
Varicose veins are also common in the vaginal area, especially during pregnancy. Women who experienced vaginal varicose veins may require surgery to correct the problem. Women will be able to feel bumps and lumps within the vaginal vault or around the vulva. They may experience heaviness, difficulty walking, pain and painful sexual intercourse.
The signs and symptoms of varicose veins are dependent upon the area of the body which is affected. By recognizing the signs and symptoms and seeking prompt treatment you are more likely to reduce the progression of the condition and prevent the formation of any further varicose veins.
