Aching, Itching and Heavy Legs From Varicose Veins

"Heavy legs" can sound like a figure of speech. The source lists it as a symptom, in plain words.

The list as printed

www.nhlbi.nih.gov states:

Symptoms of varicose veins include: Bulging, bluish veins Itching or burning discomfort around the veins Skin color changes around the veins Swelling in the legs Aching pain in the legs A feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet Nighttime leg cramps

The run-on text holds seven separate items:

• Bulging, bluish veins
• Itching or burning discomfort around the veins
• Skin color changes around the veins
• Swelling in the legs
• Aching pain in the legs
• A feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet
• Nighttime leg cramps

What it asks of you

Read the list as a checklist. It asks you to compare each item with what you feel. Three items match the words in this page's title: aching pain, itching or burning discomfort, and a feeling of heaviness. If you are reading about spider veins instead, try spider vein causes, symptoms and treatment.

Words that trip people up

The phrase "around the veins" appears twice. It ties the itching and the color changes to the area near the veins. "Nighttime" in the last item names when the cramps happen.

Your checklist, then your visit

Directive: check yourself against the seven items and mark the ones you have. Take that marked list to your provider. A vein treatment that comes up in reports is covered in sclerotherapy treatment and recovery.