Don’t Ignore These 5 Warning Signs of Varicose Veins and Leg Pain

Your circulatory system plays an essential role in your overall health. Understanding how it works and how your body can warn you that something is amiss is important. When it comes to varicose veins, there are often a collection of changes that indicate a problem is developing. 

For residents of McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, John Hovorka, MD, and Cynthia Salinas, MD, are outstanding resources for a wide range of vascular health needs. 

At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, our outstanding practitioners offer state-of-the-art care for issues like varicose veins, leg pain, chronic venous insufficiency, wound care, peripheral artery disease, and much more. Today, let’s dive into some of the ways your body warns you that varicose veins are developing. 

1. You can see changes in your legs

The easiest way to know that varicose veins are developing is by taking a close look at your legs. Varicose veins appear as large red, blue, or purple veins visible through the skin. In advanced stages, they can bulge and twist, changing not only the look of your skin but also causing a bumpy texture or feel. 

Many people develop spider veins even earlier. These are small clusters of visible blood vessels with a web-like appearance. These changes might cover a small area or sprawl across several inches of skin. 

2. Your legs feel tired and sore for no reason

We all know what our legs feel like after a particularly long walk or a day spent on your feet. But if you notice leg cramping, soreness, and aching when you haven’t done anything especially taxing, it might be due to vein damage. 

3. You’re experiencing lower body swelling

When the veins in your legs can no longer move blood back toward your heart, fluids can begin to accumulate in your lower body. You might notice swelling in one or both legs, or puffy ankles and feet. Most people notice lower extremity swelling after spending a lot of time on their feet, and it often goes down with sitting and rest. 

4. You’ve noticed unusual itching or burning

One of the more subtle signs of early varicose vein development is itching, stinging, or burning sensations in your legs, calves, or ankles. This happens when poor blood flow inflames your veins. Pay close attention to these changes, and if they’re difficult to ignore or grow worse over time, see our team. 

5. You’re experiencing skin changes

Varicose veins can not only lead to visible blood vessels in your lower body, they can also cause changes in your skin. Some people notice darkened skin near their ankles as poor circulation robs the overlying skin tissue of oxygen and nutrients. 

Your skin might also become very dry, itchy, or leathery. Late-stage skin changes can set the stage for skin breakdown, leading to slow-healing open sores called venous ulcers.   

What to do about the signs and symptoms of varicose veins

If you experience these changes or are concerned about your lower body circulation, the best way to gain clarity is by coming in for a diagnostic assessment with vascular ultrasound testing. 

At Laser Surgical Solutions, we have the technology and know-how to determine the source of your symptoms and get you started in the right treatment path. Reach out to one of our offices in McAllen, Rio Grande City, or Raymondville, Texas, to schedule a visit today.