Varicose veins are notorious for causing unsightly bulges of twisted veins. Although their presence can be an eyesore, varicose veins can also cause physical symptoms, including pain and achiness.
Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team of vascular surgeons are on a mission to eliminate problem veins. If your varicose veins hurt, we suggest scheduling a consultation at our Vein Care Institute to determine the best treatment to eliminate those unsightly, uncomfortable veins.
Before you can understand why varicose veins cause leg pain, it’s helpful to understand what exactly a varicose vein is. Varicose veins develop when the valve in your vein doesn’t work correctly.
In a healthy vein, the valves operate in one direction, encouraging blood flow toward the heart while preventing blood from flowing backward. If a valve doesn’t work correctly, blood can flow backward and pool.
When this occurs, it stretches the vein, eventually causing those blue or purplish bumpy varicose veins, which sometimes cause your legs to feel achy or heavy.
Veins that aren’t working properly don’t just ache. Varicose veins can also cause:
Itching is another common complaint with varicose veins. While itchiness doesn’t necessarily hurt, it can be a nuisance.
Not only do varicose veins cause achiness or heaviness, but the complications of untreated varicose veins can also be uncomfortable.
Untreated varicose veins may lead to ulcers on your legs. A venous ulcer is a slow-healing leg wound. In addition to leg pain, you might also note swelling, redness, and drainage. Ulcers require proper wound care, such as debridement, bandaging, and medication.
If your varicose veins lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), you might experience pain, cramping, swelling, and redness. Not everyone who has varicose veins develops DVT, but a 2018 study reports that individuals with varicose veins are five times more likely to experience DVT.
Exercising, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and wearing compression stockings can help halt the progression of varicose veins, but what if you need more than conservative options?
At our Vein Care Institute, we offer several different medical interventions for varicose veins, including sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, and VenaSeal™. We are experts when it comes to matching the correct treatment to help you reach your aesthetic and health goals.
If your legs hurt due to varicose veins, don’t put off treatment any longer. To explore your options, request an appointment online. Alternatively, give us a call at 815-824-4406 to book a consultation at either location — in Tinley Park or Evergreen Park, Illinois.
