Where they appear: Most commonly in the legs and feet.

Symptoms:

  • Bulging, rope-like veins
  • Aching or heavy feeling in legs
  • Burning, throbbing, or muscle cramping
  • Itching around the vein
  • Swelling in feet and ankles

  • Skin discoloration or hardening around the vein

When to worry:

  • If they cause significant pain or discomfort
  • If skin becomes discolored or ulcerated
  • If veins bleed

  • If they interfere with daily activities

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

Undergarments

2. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

What it is: A condition where veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs.

Why it matters: CVI is more serious than varicose veins alone and can lead to skin changes, ulcers, and other complications.

Symptoms:

  • Visible veins (varicose or spider veins)

  • Swelling in legs and ankles

  • Aching, heaviness, or fatigue in legs
  • Itching or tingling

  • Skin changes (thickening, discoloration, leathery texture)

  • Leg ulcers (in advanced stages)

When to worry:

  • If swelling doesn’t go down with elevation

  • If skin changes develop

  • If ulcers form

  • If symptoms worsen over time