Varicose veins on the feet, thighs, and lower legs: how they manifest

You have noticed an enlarged, tortuous vein on your leg and want to understand whether it is varicose veins. Varicose veins are an increase in the diameter of the vein lumen, thinning of its wall, and formation of nodes. Most often it affects the lower limbs.

What varicose veins are and why they appear on the legs

Veins have valves that help blood flow toward the heart. If the valves are weakened or damaged, blood stagnates and the veins swell. This is how varicose veins form. It is very common. The risk is higher in older people, in women, with obesity, lack of movement, and a family history of varicose veins. Varicose veins are also more common during pregnancy. It differs from spider veins — small red, blue, or purple vessels that are usually harmless. Visually, on the legs it looks like enlarged and tortuous veins on the foot, lower leg, and thigh. Varicose veins can also develop in other parts of the body: for example, hemorrhoids are also a type of varicose vein enlargement.

Varicose veins on the feet, ankles, and heel

On the foot and in the ankle area, enlarged veins look swollen and tortuous, may be lumpy, and may protrude above the skin. Due to fluid stagnation, the ankles or the whole leg swell. The skin around them may itch, change color, become dry, and peel. Symptoms worsen after prolonged standing and decrease when you lie with your legs elevated. Varicose veins often cause pain, heaviness in the legs, and night cramps.

Varicose veins on the lower leg and calves

On the lower leg and calves, veins often protrude and become tortuous. Varicose veins can affect any part of the leg, including the area below the knee, although the lower limbs are most often affected.

Varicose veins on the thighs

On the thigh, veins may be enlarged and nodular.

Why varicose veins occur on one leg

Varicose veins can affect one leg — the left or the right. Why exactly one leg is affected cannot be stated unequivocally based on the available data; the cause is determined by a doctor during examination and testing.

What complications are possible and when to see a doctor

Varicose veins are usually not dangerous, but sometimes medical help is needed. Without treatment, it may gradually worsen over several years. According to the CEAP stages, enlarged veins or nodules are distinguished (stage 2), edema by the end of the day that may decrease by morning during sleep (stage 3), skin darkening due to pigment accumulation and inflammation (stage 4), and in severe cases — trophic ulcers. You should see a doctor if there is pain, itching, or swelling of the legs, if an ulcer appears on the leg that does not heal for more than two weeks, or if the veins worsen. The diagnosis is often made by examination, and duplex ultrasound is a scan to check blood flow that is ordered by a specialist. During pregnancy, varicose veins often decrease or resolve after childbirth.

• Pain, heaviness, or swelling in the leg
• Itching, discoloration, dry and peeling skin
• A non-healing ulcer on the leg for more than two weeks
• Visible veins that worsen over time

Varicose veins by themselves are not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if a varicose vein is bleeding.

This material is for reference: it helps you get your bearings but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer