Varicose Vein Pain: What It Feels Like and How to Find Relief
Medically reviewed by Scott Sundick, MD
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins visible beneath the skin's surface. They're most commonly located on the legs but can appear virtually anywhere on the body.
Many people experience pain with varicose veins, but, fortunately, there are some methods for treating and preventing the discomfort.
This article discusses varicose vein pain, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention.
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What Causes Varicose Vein Pain?
As part of the body’s circulatory system, the veins in your legs carry blood to the heart. But when veins become weak or damaged, some blood can flow backward, often collecting (pooling) in one area.
The increased pressure causes pain in the leg that can be described as:
Aching
Cramping
Throbbing
Swelling
Heaviness
Restlessness
Painful varicose veins are more likely in situations where blood pressure is increased. This can happen with factors like:
Age
Weight gain
Inactivity
Injury
In addition, people with a family history of varicose veins may have a greater chance of developing them.
Other Symptoms Associated with Varicose Vein Pain
Varicose vein pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen while standing or sitting for long periods. It's often described as follows:
Heavy
Achy
Full or swollen
Itchy
Burning
In addition, you may notice other symptoms, such as:
Skin color changes
Dry, irritated, or cracked skin
Thickening or hardening of the skin
Data show that people assigned female at birth are more likely than people assigned male at birth to report having varicose vein-related symptoms on the lower legs.
What Other Issues Affect Varicose Vein Pain?
Varicose veins are also linked to other skin and circulatory issues and complications.
Lymphedema
Research has suggested a link between lymphedema, a swelling usually affecting the arms or legs, and varicose veins.
Because varicose veins cause swelling and can negatively impact the lymphatic system (blood vessels throughout the body that help remove toxins), it can potentially trigger extreme leg swelling. Lymphedema can also lead to inflammatory skin conditions and other complications.
Dermatitis
The increased pressure that varicose veins cause can trigger swelling, itching, skin discoloration, and an inflammatory skin condition known as dermatitis. While the uncomfortable symptoms of both varicose veins and dermatitis usually can be controlled with at-home and medical treatments, dermatitis also has the potential to lead to bleeding, ulcers, and serious skin infections.
Superficial Thrombophlebitis
Severe varicose veins can cause blood clots. Superficial thrombophlebitis (inflammation due to a small clot in the vein) can impact varicose veins in the legs. If treated properly, this condition can resolve on its own, but a blood clot that's deeper within the vein could lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
How to Find Relief From Varicose Vein Pain
Mild cases of varicose vein pain can be managed using at-home remedies, like lifestyle tweaks and self-care measures.
Compression Stockings
Wearing compression stockings (specially made, tight-fitting socks) can help apply gentle pressure to the leg area, prompting blood flow back toward the heart.
This helps reduce pain and swelling and lowers the chances of developing a blood clot. However, compression stockings won't help lessen the appearance of varicose veins.
Elevate Your Legs
Elevating your legs can help reduce the pressure on the varicose veins. Raising your legs above heart level for 15 minutes three to four times daily can improve blood flow back to the heart.
Exercise and Stretch Your Legs
Exercise can help you stay at a healthy body weight and keep blood pumping through your legs. Low-impact activities like walking and swimming may be a good place to start.
Also, stretch your legs every 30 minutes if sitting for a long time, and take a break from periods of standing every 30 minutes can help, too.
Bathe in Cool Water
Experts generally advise staying away from long sessions in hot tubs or hot baths to help reduce varicose vein pain and other symptoms. However, cold or cooler baths can help improve circulation, cut down on inflammation, and help relieve pain.
After showering, keep your legs moisturized, particularly if your varicose vein pain comes with dry or scaly skin.
Medical Treatments for Varicose Vein Pain
In severe cases, varicose vein pain can worsen or limit your activities, and a medical treatment plan may be necessary. Seeking out treatment early can help limit pain and avoid potential complications.
Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is sometimes recommended to treat larger or more widespread varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure involves making a small incision and inserting a tool to apply energy or heat to the inside of a vein, causing it to collapse and shut off.
It may take up to a year for the vein to completely disappear, and more than one treatment session may be necessary.
Sclerotherapy
As a standard option for treating varicose veins, sclerotherapy involves injecting chemicals into the veins. This causes the vein to seal itself shut and eventually disappear. Two or three treatments may be needed, and it can take up to four months to see results.
Surgery
A surgical procedure known as vein ligation or stripping may be recommended for severe varicose veins. A healthcare provider removes the veins through small incisions in the skin near the vein.
This is typically performed in an outpatient medical center with sedation. A recovery period of a few weeks is generally needed before you can resume your normal activities.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins
Experts recommend improving your circulation to help prevent new varicose veins from forming. This includes tactics such as:
Staying physically active by exercising regularly
Aiming for a healthy body weight to help improve blood flow
Avoiding wearing shoes that limit ankle movement and restrict blood flow in the area, like high heels or other tight-fitting shoes
Quitting smoking to reduce damage to your veins
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If your varicose vein pain isn't improving with at-home remedies or if it seems to be worsening, check with a healthcare provider for other treatment options. Consider seeking medical attention if you notice the following:
Severe or worsening pain
Sudden increase in leg swelling
Leg sores that are not healing or seem to be infected
Fever
Bleeding from any varicose veins
Summary
Varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, and other uncomfortable sensations in the legs. While lifestyle changes like using compression stockings and staying active may bring some relief, see a healthcare provider if you notice worsening pain, skin sores, or a sudden increase in inflammation. In-office medical procedures are available to help eliminate varicose veins and the pain that often accompanies them.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
