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Why Do Your Varicose Veins Feel Like They Are Burning?

If you have noticeable varicose veins, you’ve likely experienced a burning sensation within them at least once before. This can happen when you’re on your feet for excessive periods of time or even when you’re under stress. Whatever is causing the burning feeling in your lower extremities, it’s certainly not pleasant and, at times, can even be unbearable, causing you to fidget or need to sit down immediately in order to feel relief.

Whether you only experience this sensation rarely or it occurs every time you have to stand for more than a few minutes, it can be extremely inconvenient and even worry-inducing. Here is a bit more information on why this happens to those with varicose veins and what you can do about it.

Why Do I Feel a Burning Sensation in My Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are protruding and dark in color because they contain pooled blood that is unable to travel back to the heart due to a weakened circulatory system. When these veins become particularly saturated with blood, they start to create an uncomfortable burning sensation as fluid begins to leak away from the veins themselves and into the tissue of the surrounding area. Aside from a sense of heat and burning, some report numbness in the lower legs, a tingling sensation, or even a crawling feeling around their varicose veins.

This feeling can intensify the longer you’re on your feet, which is why many people with varicose veins avoid strenuous activity or exercise. Those suffering from burning varicose veins can find relief by elevating their legs, stretching regularly, and taking cold showers, which can visibly shrink engorged blood vessels. However, it’s important to note that a burning sensation isn’t the only symptom of the underlying vein disease that causes visible varicose veins.  

What is Vein Disease and What are Some Other Common Symptoms?

Vein disease is also known as venous insufficiency. This is caused by the systemic weakening of your circulatory system, primarily due to high stress levels, poor diet, and lack of regular exercise. Over time, your veins become less and less capable of circulating blood back to your heart, causing the excess blood to pool in the veins of your feet, ankles, and legs. This is what causes the visible varicose veins in the lower extremities that many people try to hide or get rid of.

Varicose veins, also referred to as spider veins for their typically interlaced appearance, are one of the most obvious outward signs of poor vein health, and there are many other symptoms to look out for. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Discoloration of skin
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Dry, hardened, or itchy skin
  • Burning sensation in the veins of the legs
  • Chronic cramps in the calf or thigh
  • The inability of wounds to heal properly
  • Consistently sore or aching legs
  • Immediate relief when legs are elevated

New York Metro Vein

Though vein disease and varicose veins can affect your self-confidence from a cosmetic perspective, they can also negatively affect your overall health. To learn more about varicose veins and how to treat them, call Metropolitan Vein & Aesthetic Center today to make an appointment.

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