Often patients with venous insufficiency show no visible signs of bulging veins, however they may experience leg heaviness and mild swelling at the end of the day that usually improves after bed rest.
Spider veins and varicose veins are the result of some form of venous insufficiency as described earlier. Other than “tired legs” patient may complain of night cramps, burning or aching legs. Heat and sun exposure may worsen the symptoms.
While spider and varicose veins are not considered a severe medical condition, they can be uncomfortable and rarely can lead to more serious problems such as bleeding or thrombophlebitis (clotting and inflammation of the varicosity). Long standing venous insufficiency will affect the color of the skin which gets discolored usually dark brown. In severe cases varicose veins can cause sores (ulcers) that are very difficult to heal. Varicose veins can otherwise be a cosmetic concern to many people.
Varicose veins are not generally linked to a serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because they occur in superficial veins. However, with severe varicose veins, there is a very small increased chance of developing DVT. Deep Venous Thrombosis (painful swollen leg) requires immediate medical attention.