Varicose veins are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. They are characterized by enlarged and twisted veins, usually in the legs, that can cause discomfort and pain.

Understanding the stages of varicose veins is crucial for effective management and treatment. From spider veins to skin changes and ulcers, each stage of varicose veins presents unique symptoms and requires different approaches to treatment.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, Dr. Mathew Cheung and Dr. Peter Lin discuss different stages of varicose veins, from mild to severe form of this circulate problem. In this article, we explore the causes and symptoms related to various stages of varicose veins. Understanding these different stages will help you to get the right treatment or even prevent this problem.

Veins varicose develop when there too much pressure builds up in veins or blood vessels that impedes proper blood flow. This is a common side effect of injuries and hormonal changes. This vein disease is a result of the blood pressure inside of the veins blood flow becomes compromised. The pressure buildup damages the structure of the veins, causing them to become weaker, collapse, lose their rigid shape and swell.

As the veins become weaker, blood pools inside and become stagnant, forcing the veins to bulge. Normally, this process gradually occurs as a side effect of aging or genetics. But certain health conditions and lifestyle habits, such as pregnancy or vascular conditions or standing in place for long periods, respectively. Also, varicosities can occur in veins located anywhere in the body, though the most common areas are in the legs and ankles. Varicose veins development typically takes place in stages. By the time many people realize they have varicose veins, they’ve already progressed into one of the later stages of development.

The first phase doesn’t show up physically because the changes impact the valves inside of the legs. Before the signs of veins swelling and stretching appear on the skin, they cause unpleasant sensations. Symptoms include pain or tenderness from cramps, burning, swelling, itching and heavy or fatigued legs, ankles, or restless legs. These sensations may increase in frequency until the discomfort is more than a mere annoyance or no longer believed to have an external cause.

Spider veins are small, thin veins that are visible just beneath the surface of the skin. They usually appear on the legs, butcan also be found on the face or other areas of the body. Spider veins can be red, blue, or purple, and they often resemble a spider web or tree branch pattern.

These are typically asymptomatic and do not cause any discomfort. However, some people may experience a mild itching or burning sensation in the affected area. In most cases, spider veins are a cosmetic concern rather than a medical problem.

If you have spider veins, there are several treatment options available. Sclerotherapy is a common treatment that involves injecting a solution into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and fade over time. Laser therapy is another option that uses a focused beam of light to selectively target and destroy the spider veins.

As the veins collapse and become engorged with stagnant blood, they take on a darker purple, red, or blue color, and swell and cause skin discoloration, itching, pain, and heaviness. Varicose veins can become so severe that they impact certain activities when touched, such as wearing fabrics, shaving, or applying skin cream or lotion. As the condition progresses, varicose veins may burst and bleed or cause ulcers and slow-healing sores to form. At this stage, sensations of heaviness and tenderness and pain are worse by the end of the day.

Unlike spider veins, enlarged varicose veins can cause discomfort and pain. You may experience aching, throbbing, or a heavy sensation in your legs. Your legs may also feel swollen, especially after prolonged sitting or standing. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to skin changes, such as darkening or thickening of the skin around the affected area.

Treatment options for enlarged varicose veins depend on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, your doctor might recommend wearing compression stockings to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

Severe vein varicosities that leak or burst can cause blood to pool inside of the affected body part, usually the legs. Most people experience significant leg or ankle swelling or heavy sensations that may include pain in their ankles or legs during the evening or after prolonged periods of standing. If you are experiencing edema as a result ofvaricose veins, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight management, as well as the use of compression stockings to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

An increase in the prominent appearance of small crawling or spidery veins on the ankles that swell, hurt, itch, or burn. These symptoms are usually more severe after long periods of standing or certain activities.

Damaged veins can cause unexpected changes to the texture and color of the skin. As the disease progresses, the skin becomes darker and harder and more sensitive to pain. One of the most noticeable changes in the skin is the development of brown discoloration or a leathery texture. The skin can also become red, flaky, and itchy. These changes may lead to cracking and bleeding, which can cause venous ulcers to form.

Advanced stages of vein disease or varicose veins development are when serious, painful and slow-healing wounds or ulcers on the legs and ankles form. Some ulcers may heal go away with minimal care, but chronic ulcer development often occurs instead. The risk of life-threatening blood clots developing is much higher than normal and medical care is necessary to improve the impact of the disease on overall health and quality of life.

Keep in mind that ulcers can form during any of the stages of varicose veins or vein disease. Advanced ulcers may weep or ooze fluid or pus. Infections can set in and cause foul-smelling or yellowish to greenish pus that may be extremely painful and unpleasant to touch or even look at and can lead to cellulitis or other life-threatening diseases.

By the time this advanced stage of varicose veins development, medical attention is necessary for a favorable outcome. Our patients come to us for varicose veins treatment because they’re ready for relief and to get rid of their unappealing vein lines. Anyone can develop varicose veins. Some people are more prone to them than others. People with certain risk, hereditary, and lifestyle factors develop them more than children or adults. Pregnancy, obesity, and age are the primary risk concerns for varicose veins complications, though anyone can benefit from having them treated.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you are interested in varicose vein treatment, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more information.