Why does vein hurt

It's unlikely you'll receive treatment on the NHS for cosmetic reasons — you'll have to pay for cosmetic treatment privately. If you do feel you require treatment, it might help if you print out treatment options for varicose veins to discuss with the GP.

There's little evidence to suggest you can stop varicose veins getting worse or completely stop new ones developing. Page last reviewed: 07 May Next review due: 07 May Other symptoms include: aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs swollen feet and ankles burning or throbbing in your legs muscle cramp in your legs, particularly at night dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein The symptoms are usually worse during warm weather or if you've been standing up for long periods of time.

When to see a GP If you have varicose veins and they do not cause you any discomfort, you may not need to visit a GP. Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition and do not usually require treatment. But speak to a GP if: your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort the skin over your veins is sore and irritated the aching in your legs is causing irritation at night and disturbing your sleep The GP can diagnose varicose veins based on these symptoms, although further tests may be carried out.

Read about diagnosing varicose veins. Varicose veins affect around 20 percent of the population. In some people, they may be very uncomfortable and even painful. In this article, we look…. Spider veins are smaller and thinner than varicose veins and usually appear on the face or legs.

They are generally painless and do not cause any…. A study led by Stanford University scientists examines the genes of nearly , participants and suggests that height may be a cause of varicose…. Doctors often recommend compression stockings to improve circulation, prevent varicose veins from becoming worse, and reduce pain and discomfort. Varicose veins occur when blood pools in the veins as it tries to return to the heart to pick up fresh oxygen. They are common in people's legs as….

All you need to know about varicose vein pain. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Symptoms Causes Prevention Treatment When to see a doctor Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins. What are the symptoms? Share on Pinterest Varicose veins may not always cause symptoms, and symptoms may only be present in certain conditions, such as warm weather.

What other issues affect varicose vein pain? Share on Pinterest Identifying varicose veins, and taking steps to treat them, may help to prevent complications, such as lymphedema. Share on Pinterest Compression stocking are a non-surgical and economical option for treating varicose veins. When to see a doctor. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Home remedies for varicose veins. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Treatment and prevention of spider veins. Spider veins, a mild form of varicose veins, typically appear on the legs and feet.

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins. Any superficial vein may become varicosed, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs. That's because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body.

For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes varicose veins lead to more-serious problems. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they're smaller. Spider veins are found closer to the skin's surface and are often red or blue.

Spider veins occur on the legs, but can also be found on the face. They vary in size and often look like a spider's web. Self-care — such as exercise, elevating your legs or wearing compression stockings — can help you ease the pain of varicose veins and may prevent them from getting worse.

But if you're concerned about how your veins look and feel and self-care measures haven't stopped your condition from getting worse, see your doctor.

Weak or damaged valves can lead to varicose veins. Arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your tissues, and veins return blood from the rest of your body to your heart, so the blood can be recirculated. Muscle contractions in your lower legs act as pumps, and elastic vein walls help blood return to your heart.

Tiny valves in your veins open as blood flows toward your heart then close to stop blood from flowing backward. If these valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein, causing the veins to stretch or twist. There's no way to completely prevent varicose veins. But improving your circulation and muscle tone may reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting additional ones.