Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Symptoms?

• Prominent dark blue blood vessels, especially in the legs and feet.
• Aching, tender, heavy, or sore legs; often accompanied by swelling in the ankles or feet after standing for any length of time.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Swelling becomes incapacitating, or if the skin over your varicose veins becomes flaky, ulcerated, discolored, or prone to bleeding — you could be developing stasis dermatitis. You may want to have the veins removed to avoid further discomfort and prevent potentially more serious circulatory problems.
• You have red, warm and tender varicose veins. This may be a sign of phlebitis.
• You cut a varicose vein. Control the resulting burst of blood and have the vein treated to prevent complications.