Vein Disorders
Vein disorders may go unnoticed for years, silently progressing beneath the surface until visible symptoms—or serious complications—arise. While often mistaken for cosmetic concerns, symptoms like spider veins, varicose veins, painful or aching legs, and skin discoloration are all potential signs of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or other forms of vein disease.
If left untreated, vein disorders can lead to life-threatening complications, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein and may travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Recognizing the signs early and seeking professional evaluation can prevent complications and greatly improve quality of life. Fortunately, many vein conditions can be treated effectively with minimally invasive outpatient procedures, allowing you to return to normal activities with little to no downtime.
Symptoms of Vein Disorders
PAINFUL OR ACHING LEGS
Chronic pain, aching, or heaviness in the legs may signal venous reflux, a condition where faulty valves in the veins allow blood to pool in the legs. This pooling increases pressure in the veins, leading to inflammation, swelling, and discomfort—especially after standing or sitting for extended periods. This is a progressive condition that will worsen if left untreated.
Varicose veins are large, swollen, and twisted veins that often appear blue or purple, bulging just beneath the skin. Commonly located on the thighs and calves, varicose veins are both a cosmetic and medical concern. They can cause pain, itching, fatigue, and skin irritation, and may be an indicator of venous hypertension or reflux.
Spider veins are small, thread-like veins that appear red, blue, or purple and typically form on the legs or face. Though often considered cosmetic, their presence may point to underlying vein disease, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like pain, itching, or swelling.
SKIN DISCOLORATION
Brown, purple, or bluish discoloration, especially near the ankles, can result from prolonged poor circulation and leakage of blood into the surrounding tissue. Over time, this may lead to venous stasis dermatitis or lipodermatosclerosis, where the skin becomes hardened and inflamed—often a precursor to venous ulcers.
RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME
Restless leg syndrome causes a persistent urge to move the legs, especially at night. Many people report a crawling, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensation. Although the cause can vary, vein disorders are often an underlying contributor, especially when symptoms are worse during periods of inactivity.
SWOLLEN ANKLES
Unexplained or recurring ankle swelling may be a sign of vein disease. When veins fail to return blood efficiently to the heart, fluid can accumulate in the lower legs and ankles. This condition is often misdiagnosed as general edema, but in many cases, venous insufficiency is to blame.
LEG CRAMPS
Commonly referred to as Charley horses, leg cramps can occur during both day and night. These painful muscle contractions may indicate compromised blood flow in the lower extremities due to chronic venous insufficiency, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like heaviness or swelling.
HOT/BURNING SKIN
A persistent feeling of heat or burning in the legs may point to inflammation caused by poor circulation. This discomfort is often most noticeable after long periods of standing and is commonly reported in patients with venous reflux or varicose veins.
ECZEMA/ITCHING LEGS
Vein disease can cause venous eczema (stasis dermatitis)—a condition characterized by dry, itchy, red, or flaky skin on the lower legs. This symptom is often mistaken for a dermatological issue, but it frequently stems from vein inflammation and fluid buildup caused by poor circulation.