Varicose Veins

Alternative names:

varicosis; varicosity

Symptoms:

• pain in the legs: fullness, heaviness, aching
• muscle cramps of the legs
• visible, enlarged veins
• swelling of ankles
• skin at the ankle discolored brown
• skin ulcers on the legs or above the ankle

Signs and tests:
The diagnosis is based primarily on the appearance of the veins. Frequently, a duplex Doppler/ultrasound exam of extremity is used to see blood flow and characterize the vessels. Rarely, an MRI or angiography of the legs may be performed to rule out other disorders.

Signs and tests:

The diagnosis is based primarily on the appearance of the veins. Frequently, a duplex Doppler/ultrasound exam of extremity is used to see blood flow and characterize the vessels. Rarely, an MRI or angiography of the legs may be performed to rule out other disorders.