Symptoms of Vein Disease
Symptoms
Vein disease has 5 main symptoms: swollen legs or ankles, achy or heavy legs, leg restlessness or cramps, skin discoloration or dryness, and leg pain. Vein disease, also known as venous insufficiency, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Mequon Vein is home to Dr. Sabatino, an experienced vein doctor. Dr. Sabatino will accurately diagnose your vein symptoms and develop a custom vein care treatment plan for you. Contact us to learn more about common symptoms associated with vein disease, and we’ll help you decide if it’s time to seek professional medical attention.
What is Vein Disease
Vein disease occurs when the valves within the veins fail to function properly, leading to blood pooling and increased pressure within the veins. As a result, various symptoms arise, indicating the presence of vein disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Vein Disease
Commonalities Between Spider Veins & Varicose Veins
Part of the trickiness with varicose veins is many of the diseased veins are deep within the skin and not visible on the surface. Many people experience symptoms but have no visible signs. Varicose veins most commonly occur in the legs and under the skin. Most varicose veins require an ultrasound for diagnosis.
Spider veins are also diseased varicose veins that are smaller in appearance and typically less painful. Most individuals with spider veins also have a larger underlying varicose vein issue. Often, the spider veins become visible on the skin’s surface due to the deeper, enlarged varicose veins pushing the smaller blood vessels closer to the surface.
7 Facts of Spider Veins & Varicose Veins
Spider Veins
Varicose VeinsLocation
Anywhere on the body, beneath the skin’s surface
In most cases, located in the legs, beneath the skin’s surface
Appearance
Thin, web-like veins
Not always visible without ultrasound detection. Appear as swollen and twisted
Texture
Flat
Raised
Size
1mm or 1/32 inch
4 mm or ⅛ inch
Color
Red, blue or purple
Blue or purple
Pain Level
Variable
Moderate to high. Often cause painful leg symptoms
Caused By Vein Disease
7 Symptoms of Vein Disease
Leg Swelling (Edema)
Leg swelling is one of the most common symptoms of vein disease, affecting up to 56.1% of patients with CVI, according to clinical studies. Swelling occurs due to fluid accumulation caused by poor circulation and typically worsens after prolonged sitting or standing.
- Where it happens: Ankles, calves, lower legs
- When to pay attention: Persistent swelling worsening or causing tightness in the skin may indicate venous pressure buildup.
Achy, Tired or Heavy Legs
Leg heaviness and fatigue are reported by 73.7% of patients with CVI, highlighting their prevalence as early indicators of vein disease. Sensations result from blood pooling in veins due to valve dysfunction and often improve with leg elevation.
- How it feels: Dull ache, heaviness, soreness
- Why it matters: Signals venous pressure buildup and impaired blood flow.
Restless Legs or Muscle Cramps
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and nighttime muscle cramps are frequent complaints among individuals with vein disease. Studies show 42.1% of women and 16.2% of men report restless leg or muscle cramps symptoms in association with CVI. RLS involves a constant urge to move the legs at rest, while cramps are sharp spasms.
- Restlessness: Tingling or crawling sensations disrupting rest
- Cramps: Sudden and painful spasms, often at night or early morning.
Visible Veins (Spider or Varicose Veins)
Varicose veins are a hallmark sign of vein disease, affecting approximately 24% of adults in the United States. Spider veins are smaller surface-level veins often painless, while varicose veins are larger bulging veins.
- Spider veins: Surface-level discoloration without pain
- Varicose veins: Twisted, enlarged veins, often painful or tender.
Skin Discoloration, Dryness or Thinning
Chronic venous insufficiency impacts circulation over time, leading to skin changes such as discoloration (reddish-brown patches), dryness, thinning skin and venous ulcers. Symptoms often begin near the ankles and worsen gradually without treatment. Studies estimate 6% of adults with CVI develop advanced skin changes like hyperpigmentation or ulcers.
- Discoloration: Hyperpigmentation caused by trapped blood
- Dryness & itching: Inflammation dries out the skin
- Thinning skin: Fragility increases the risk of damage
- Venous ulcers: Open sores resistant to healing.
Leg Pain or Tenderness
Pain associated with vein disease can range from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing sensations. This symptom affects a significant portion of patients and may indicate inflamed veins or more severe conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Approximately 25–40% of women and 10–20% of men experience leg pain due to CVI.
- Pain type: Throbbing, burning, shooting sensations
- Warning sign: Sudden and intense pain should not be ignored.
Burning or Itching Sensations
A warm burning sensation or chronic itch around the lower legs may indicate inflammation within the veins. Burning or itching sensations often accompany other signs like discoloration or dryness. Burning sensations are frequently reported by patients with advanced stages of vein disease.
- Where it occurs: Calves, ankles, near visible veins
- When it’s serious: Itching severe enough to disrupt sleep or lead to sores from scratching may signal advanced vein disease.
The Prevalence of Chronic Venous Disease in the US
- A global survey found approximately 22% of adults self-report signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease (CVD), including tiredness, heaviness, pain, swelling in legs and night cramps.
- Chronic venous insufficiency affects up to 61% of individuals in certain populations studied, with women experiencing higher prevalence rates than men.
- The Bonn Vein Study revealed leg swelling was reported in 14.8% of participants within four weeks prior to assessment.
- Visible varicose veins affect about 24% of adults in the United States, while advanced CVI symptoms like ulcers occur in approximately 6%.
Vein disease symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe complications like venous ulcers and DVT. Identifying signs early allows for effective management through lifestyle changes (e.g., compression therapy) or medical interventions such as minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy. Left untreated, CVI can lead to reduced mobility and significant health burdens for patients worldwide.
What to Expect
Varicose Veins
The National Library of Medicine stated 20% of all adults will get varicose veins at some point in their lives.
Approximately 23% of US adults have varicose veins according to AHA Journals.
40 million people in the US have been diagnosed with varicose veins before, about 12.5% of the country’s population.
Spider Veins
More than 40% of women have a vein condition, which includes spider veins according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Medical News Today claims 41% of females aged 50 and over have spider veins.
Schedule Treatment for Vein Disease Symptoms
If you’re experiencing symptoms of vein disease, it’s crucial to seek timely treatment. Vein disease often causes discomfort, pain and complications. Treatment for these medical vein diseases are often covered by insurance providers. Schedule a vein consult and a vein doctor will design a treatment plan. Alleviate discomfort, improve circulation and prevent further complications with vein care from MequonVein.
Our Office Locations
Mequon Vein has provided varicose vein treatment in the greater-Milwaukee area and beyond since 2004. We welcome patients from all over Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and beyond. Stop by one of our two locations:
Brookfield
VIEW BROOKFIELD HOURS
Monday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
VIEW BROOKFIELD HOURS
Monday: 7:30am-7:00pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:30-4:00pm
Thursday: 7:30am-7:00pm
Friday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
17280 West North Ave
Suite 200
Brookfield WI, 53045-4366
Germantown
VIEW GERMANTOWN HOURS
VIEW GERMANTOWN HOURS
Monday: 7:30am-7:00pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:30-4:00pm
Thursday: 7:30am-7:00pm
Friday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
W189 N11100 Kleinmann Dr
Suite 105
Germantown, WI 53022
Mequon Vein Service Areas
Mequon Vein is a vein treatment center servicing Brookfield, Delafield, Germantown, Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Milwaukee, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Thiensville, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, West Bend and the surrounding communities in Southeast Wisconsin. If you need vein treatment, contact our physicians today for a free consultation.
Our offices are proudly No Surprises Act compliant