Symptoms & Signs
- Fullness, heaviness, aching, and sometimes pain in the legs
- Visible, enlarged veins
- Mild swelling of ankles
- Brown discoloration of the skin at the ankles
- Skin ulcers near the ankle (this is more often seen in severe cases)
Diagnosis & Tests
The diagnosis is mainly based on the appearance of the leg veins when you are standing or seated with the legs dangling.
At times a physician may order a duplex ultrasound exam of the extremity to see blood flow in the veins, and to rule out other disorders of the legs (such as a blood clot). Rarely, an angiogram of the legs may be performed to rule out other disorders.
Pictures & Images
Varicose veins
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Varicose veins:Overview, Causes
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Varicose veins: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Varicose veins:Treatment
Review Date : 6/1/2009 Reviewed By : Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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