• Aching or heavy feeling in legs
  • Burning, throbbing, or cramping
  • Itching around the vein
  • Swelling in feet and ankles

What to do: See your doctor. Treatment options range from compression stockings to minimally invasive procedures.

2. Spider Veins

Smaller, red, purple, or blue veins that look like spider webs or tree branches. Usually cosmetic, but can sometimes cause discomfort.

3. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

A condition where veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs. Symptoms include:

  • Swelling in legs and ankles
  • Aching, heaviness, or fatigue in legs

  • Skin changes (thickening, discoloration)

  • Leg ulcers (in advanced stages)

4. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – Emergency

A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Symptoms:

  • Sudden swelling in one leg

  • Pain or tenderness (cramping)

  • Warmth over the affected area

  • Red or discolored skin

This is a medical emergency. Seek care immediately.

5. Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of a vein just under the skin, with a visible red, tender cord. See a doctor.

Visible Veins vs. Poor Circulation: What’s the Difference?