Swollen, twisted varicose veins may appear on the legs, although they can occur in other parts of the body as well. They often have a distinct look about them.
So, what do varicose veins look like?
Varicose veins are enlarged and may look like raised, twisted or rope-like structures beneath the skin. They can protrude above the skin’s surface.
They typically have a bluish or purplish colour due to the pooled blood inside them. The colour can vary depending on the size and depth of the vein.
They are usually larger than normal veins, ranging from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter.
As well as what they look like, these veins can cause symptoms such as aching, pain, throbbing, itching or a feeling of heaviness. This may be more common after a long time standing or sitting.
They’re not only in the legs
Sometimes these veins aren’t so visible but nonetheless you have symptoms, like tired, aching, heavy legs. They are most common in the legs but you can have a varicose vein in other parts of the body. For example, pelvic varicose veins in women. See our blogs on pelvic varicose veins, as well as varicose veins in pregnancy.
And not all enlarged veins are varicose. Spider veins, for example, are another common venous condition that appears as a web-like network of smaller, red or blue veins on the skin’s surface. Or a scatter of smaller obvious red or blue veins or just one or two.
If you think you have a varicose vein or are having any symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a vascular surgeon. Take photos or your veins, fill in our health form and we’ll get back to you and let you know. Like with most medical treatments, the sooner you seek help, the better the result.
