
Varicose veins are large, rope-like veins when are often one-quarter inch or larger in diameter and possess diseases valves. They sometimes appear to twist and bulge. Some people with varicose veins will not experience any pain or discomfort while others are more severely affected – a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency.
Symptoms that have been associated with chronic venous insufficiency/varicose veins of the lower extremities include:
- Pain
- Aching and uncomfortable “fatigued” legs
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Throbbing or burning in your legs
- Itchy, dry and thin skin over the affected vein
- Brownish skin changes
- Muscle cramping in your legs (particularly at night)
- Bleeding and/or ulceration