What Type of Veins Do I Have Exactly?

Legs with varicose veins on a beach during Melbourne’s summer

Nobody forgets the first time you see your veins appear under the surface of your skin. A million questions race through your head. When did this happen? Will I be okay? How can I treat this? How can I stop it from getting worse?

Rest assured, you’re not alone, and there are lots of treatment options to help you manage even the worst cases of varicose veins and spider veins. While it’s important to book a consultation with a Vein Care professional to determine the best treatment plan, reference the following list of symptoms to evaluate what kind of vein problem you have.

 

Varicose Vein Symptoms

Varicose veins are broken, twisted, swollen veins that appear to budge under the skin’s surface. Common symptoms of varicose veins include:

  • Blue or dark purple coloured veins, most common in the legs
  • Prominent veins that are bulging and/or twisting in appearance
  • Chronic achy legs, “heavy legs” or undefined leg soreness
  • Swelling in the legs, including burning sensation, throbbing and/or muscle cramping
  • Pain that increases following extended periods sitting or standing
  • Redness, discolouration and/or itching around prominent veins
  • Localised skin hardening or skin ulcers (which may also indicate more serious vascular disease)

 

Spider Vein Symptoms

Spider veins are small blood vessels that twist and turn under the skin’s surface and often have a red or blue appearance. Spider vein symptoms are usually less severe than varicose vein symptoms and include:

  • Red, blue, or purple appearance directly under the skin’s surface
  • Most common on legs and face
  • Tingling or itchiness around affected area

 

Venous Leg Ulcers Symptoms

Venous leg ulcers are caused by high blood pressure in the legs. Excess fluid in the veins or broken veins may cause fluid to leak into the surrounding area. The skin in this area will begin to break down and create deep sores. Aside from a visible sore on the leg, venous leg ulcers are classified by the following symptoms:

  • Rash
  • Swelling
  • Pus
  • Foul smelling fluid
  • Pain that gets worse
  • Fever

 

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of your leg. This condition is often asymptomatic and requires a professional diagnosis. Symptoms may include:

  • Pain and tenderness in your leg
  • Swelling of the lower leg, ankle and foot
  • Cramping pain in your leg that usually begins in your calf
  • An area of skin turning red, pale or bluish in colour
  • Severe, unexplained pain in your foot and ankle
  • Pain when extending your foot
  • An area of skin that feels warmer than surrounding areas

No matter what vein condition you think you may have, professional intervention is mandatory to ensure your symptoms don’t pose a larger health risk. To schedule an appointment with a Vein Care specialist, call 1300 568 676, or contact us online

Contact Us

Book A Consultation

We are currently open for appointments and consultations, Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. We have three vein clinics conveniently located near Melbourne in Camberwell, Boronia and Sydenham.

  (03) 9813 1535 / 1300 568 676
 hello@veincare.com.au