Warning signs of varicose veins
Varicose veins get ignored for the same reason that they get
noticed-Unsightly. Varicose veins are a chronic condition and
once formed they do not go away. They are not just a cosmetic
nuisance and patients who are not bothered about the
appearance tend to ignore the early warning signs as well.
Timeline is the tag line in veins disease. It progresses in stages
and if the early signs are ignored, the disease gets worse over
time.
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1: Restless & Aches - Pain is not a common feature of varicose
veins until later complications arise. They initially tend to cause
aches, heaviness, cramping, tiredness and restless legs
2: Sock line & Swelling - As the fluid pools in the legs due to
pressure in the vein, you would notice ‘Sock line’ marks at the
ankles later in the day. This progresses to swelling in the ankle
area
3: Itching & Eczema - Itching around the veins is a sign of early
damage to the skin as the fluid seeps under the skin. Eczema
then occurs in these areas due to further inflammation. The
Eczema might initially respond to skin creams. But recurring or
persisting eczema at the ankles or near veins should be
investigated
4: Phlebitis & Pain - Phlebitis is not an infection! This is
inflammation caused by congealed blood due to pooling within
the varicose veins. Repeated phlebitis can thin the veins and
lead to skin damage and bleeding veins. Extension of phlebitis
into the larger deeper veins can pose a serious issue.
5: Discolouration or Pigmentation: Brown discolouration
especially around ankles and veins is caused by leaked blood
cells from the damaged veins. This is a sign of chronic damage
to the veins. Chronic persisting inflammation causes hardening
of the skin around the ankles and may lead to skin break down
and ulcer formation
Venous leg ulcers are not an old person’s disease; it is a
progressive disease of the future. Be aware of the Timeline. You
may be that person who had ignored the early warning signs.