Varicose veins are caused by increased pressure in the walls of the veins due to poor circulation. Because blood is moving so slowly, it tends to gather (pool) in small, oxbow-shaped areas of the veins. The result is a darkly discolored, meandering vein that appears much wider than normal. How does the shape and volume of the vein cause such pain? Vein treatment center in Orlando, Florida Vein Care, explains:
- First Symptoms: The telltale sign of varicose veins, raised, dark, surface veins, is traditionally not the first symptom. The initial symptom is generally fatigue, but most patients write off fatigue as a sign of aging. When blood moves sluggishly through the veins, carbon dioxide is not picked up as quickly and the cells cannot take in oxygen. Lack of oxygen causes cells to function less efficiently, and fatigue is the result.
- Heaviness: Over time, simple fatigue compounds until the legs have a sensation of extreme heaviness. This heaviness can quickly become tenderness and a dull ache. Dull aching increases as the day progresses and is exacerbated by the body remaining in a fixed position, such as sitting or standing, for an extended amount of time. Being in one position causes the muscles to flex for an extended period. This flexing squeezes shut the veins, which causes aching muscles.
- Other Symptoms: Muscle cramps, itchiness, and swelling (lymphedema) are also symptoms of varicose veins for many of the same reasons: tensed muscles and veins either closed off or not pulsating properly.
- Swelling: While gradual swelling (edema) is typical with varicose veins, sudden swelling may be indicative of a blood clot, which may linger in one area blocking the flow of blood from the leg to the heart. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis and must be examined immediately by a physician.
All these symptoms can be alleviated with a visit to Florida Vein Care. Give the caring vein treatment center in Orlando staff at Florida Vein Care a call at (407) 805-8989 to learn how your venous pain can disappear with personalized care offered by professional specialists.