What Do Purple Veins in the Legs Mean?

Most patients do not understand why they have unsightly purple veins in the skin on their peripherals, which may be lowering their self-esteem. Although covering these veins by wearing unrevealing clothes could be a solution, Ariel Soffer, MD, FACC recommends medical interventions to treat and eliminate these unsightly blood vessels. Patient awareness of varicose veins is another crucial addition to promote early detection and treatment to improve skin appearance.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins occur when increased pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. Patients with varicose veins exhibit signs of enlargement and twisting in the veins. The main reason patients seek treatment for these veins is cosmetic-related. However, varicose veins have a medical significance because they are a symptom of an underlying medical issue. The primary therapies physicians recommend to patients with varicose veins include conservative self-care or invasive surgical techniques to close the veins.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

The most initial sign patients recognize it is the change in color to a dark purple or blue. Varicose veins are also large and appear bulged and twisted. Physicians may also develop a treatment for more severe varicose veins that are a cosmetic concern and a medical concern causing discomfort. For example, patients with varicose veins report:

• Itchy sensation around the veins
• Achy feelings in the legs
• Cramping and swelling in the legs
• Aching in the legs and feelings of heaviness

Patients also experienced worsened symptoms, especially after maintaining one position for too long. 

Are varicose veins spider legs?

Varicose veins and spider veins have one thing in common, causing cosmetic concerns to patients. However, varicose veins are more prominent than spider veins. Spider veins may look red or blue and are a milder condition that may develop into varicose veins if a patient does not seek early intervention.

What are the causes of varicose veins?

The veins are crucial blood vessels that transport blood to the heart from body tissues. However, the blood in veins is usually at low pressure. Therefore, veins need valves to prevent blood from flowing backward. Patients with varicose veins have malfunctioned valves that cause blood to flow back and accumulate in the legs, thus causing bulging and twisting. Patients report worsened symptoms after maintaining one position for a long time because this sedentary nature causes pressure to increase in the legs and thus causes pain and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Who can get varicose veins?

Certain risk factors may increase your chances of developing purple veins in your legs. Patients need to attend a regular wellness exam to determine risk factors that may predispose their legs to varicose veins. Although certain risk factors like genetics are innate, there are preventative measures to preserve venous health and thus prevent symptoms hindering mobility. Contact Soffer Health Institute to schedule an initial consultation and discuss venous restoration techniques to eliminate the purple veins in your legs.