Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in colour and they are usually twisted and bulging in appearance. Some people with varicose veins do not experience any pain or discomfort, while others are more severely affected.
As well as their distinctive appearance, symptoms of varicose veins can include:
- aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
- swollen feet and ankles
- burning or throbbing in your legs
- muscle cramp in your legs, particularly at night
- dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein
These symptoms will usually be worse during warm weather or when you have been standing up for long periods of time. Your symptoms may improve when you walk around or if you rest and raise your legs up, on some pillows (for example).
Varicose veins usually develop on the legs, either on the back of your calf or on the inside of your leg. However, they can also sometimes occur in other parts of your body, such as your:
- gullet (oesophagus)
- womb (uterus)
- vagina
- pelvis
- rectum (back passage)
