How to Recognize Early Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

How to Recognize Early Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency can be a serious condition, and it doesn’t always present itself in the most obvious ways. Varicose veins and skin ulcers on the legs are two very sure signs of venous insufficiency, but they are not always present in every case and certainly not always in the early stages of the condition. However, because early detection of venous insufficiency is essential for managing the condition as it progresses, it is important to be able to recognize the signs that may be less obvious.

Most of the symptoms of venous insufficiency will be felt before they are ever seen. If you are experiencing any of the following sensations, then a vein screening to determine the presence of venous insufficiency is likely in order:

• Leg fatigue – you may just feel an overall sense of tiredness in your legs, which tends to worsen throughout the day and peaks right before bedtime.
• Restless legs – you may experience some degree of restless leg syndrome, a condition in which you feel an almost constant need to move your legs and keep them active.
• Edema – you may experience swelling in your legs, especially around your feet and ankles, that worsens over the course of the day.
• Aching and throbbing – you may just feel an overall sense of discomfort or pain in your legs, though the actual location of the aching or throbbing can be hard to pinpoint.
• Cramping – you may experience somewhat frequent and uncomfortable cramping, and your legs may even seem to “freeze up” on you at times.
• Burning and itching – you may experience skin discomfort, such as burning sensations or itching, with no obvious cause.

As the condition progresses, you may experience these uncomfortable sensations somewhat less but visual signs and symptoms will be more apparent. One of the first things you might notice are skin discolorations, usually resulting in a tone that is more reddish or brown than usual, if blood is beginning to leak and pool outside of the veins. You might also notice sores that appear on your legs that seem unable to heal. The most obvious sign then is the presence of varicose veins, which will appear as enlarged and ropey veins that are raised off the skin. Varicose veins, once thought to be a cosmetic concern, are now known to be a genuine medical condition, and addressing them with a vein physician is incredibly important.

If you are experiencing any of the early signs of venous insufficiency or have varicose veins already present, getting to a physician as soon as possible can ensure that your condition doesn’t worsen. If you are in the greater Tampa area, you can schedule a visit with Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center by calling (727) 712-3233 today.