When Varicose Veins Become Painful: Here's Why

Blog Post
By South Valley Vascular
June 30, 2023

Navigating painful health ailments can be challenging, especially when we don’t fully understand the root cause of our pain. But that's why learning more about these conditions, like painful varicose veins, can be an extremely helpful tool.

Understanding our pain can provide a key turning point in how we handle our symptoms, and the quickness in which we seek help. If you struggle with varicose veins and are curious to learn more about your pain symptoms, continue reading. 

Varicose Veins Treatment Options

Finding a treatment solution is an important course of action for painful varicose veins. Taking this step can ultimately alleviate your pain, and bring new meaning to your quality of life. Here are some common varicose veins treatment options for you to consider with the help of your doctor. 

Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous laser ablation is the primary medical treatment option available for varicose veins, outside of home remedies and pain alleviators. The treatment is conducted with a laser that is used to seal the vein from within. This is a noninvasive procedure that requires a catheter to emit laser energy for treatment. Once the procedure is complete, healthy veins in the surrounding area restore normal blood flow and alleviate symptoms of the varicose vein. 

Additional Treatment Methods to Reduce Your Risk of Varicose Veins

If you’re not quite ready for a medical treatment like endovenous laser ablation, other home remedies may help to prevent your pain symptoms from progressing. Let’s explore some of these milder treatment options. 

  • Regular exercise to support blood flow
  • Increased mobility, avoiding sitting for long periods of time
  • Elevating legs with a pillow or comfy prop
  • Compression socks
  • Weight loss to help reduce pressure

Though these tips will not eliminate the condition of varicose vein pain as a medical procedure would, they can help to lessen the intensity and likelihood of pain symptoms caused by varicose veins. 

What Causes Varicose Veins and Their Pain?

You may be curious about what causes varicose veins. Varicose veins occur when artery valves weaken, causing blood to pool up in the vein. This often causes visible raised veins under the skin. Most-often the pain of varicose veins is caused by the lack of blood flow, which can induce a variety of irritations. These painful symptoms may include aches, throbbing, heavy or tired legs, swelling, itchiness, and cramping. Though these are common symptoms, unique pains may occur for different individuals. 

Common Causes and Risks of Varicose Veins

A variety of factors can increase one's likelihood to develop varicose veins. These often encompass general health conditions and identity demographics, such as age, or family genetics. Here are some risk factors to look out for when it comes to varicose veins. 

  • Common family history of varicose veins
  • Pregnancy or having been pregnant in the past
  • Consistent periods of standing 
  • Previous injury or leg surgery
  • Weight gain
  • Age

By taking these factors into consideration, you can become properly equipped to prepare for potential varicose veins, should they occur in the future. Talk to a family member to find out if varicose veins are common in your family. And, consider the additional factors to explore your likelihood of experiencing varicose veins. Most importantly, seek the advice of a trusted medical professional to assist you in treating vascular health issues. 

Comprehensive Care at South Valley Vascular

If you live in the Fresno, California area and are seeking a reliable and trustworthy team of vascular doctors, look no further. South Valley Vascular is here to treat all your vascular healthcare needs. With four locations, support is right around the corner. Don’t wait, schedule today to get your varicose veins checked.