Varicose veins are widely-recognized as a cosmetic, but often harmless, by-product of enlarged blood vessels.

However, patients should be aware that vein disease extends beyond being unattractive, and often presents as a number of non-specific symptoms. As a result, vein disease can remain hidden and prevent patients from seeking medical intervention.

That being said, it’s important to recognize the signs associated with vein disease and contact a vein specialist you suffer from any of the following issues.

Here are six hidden symptoms of vein disease.

1. Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) typically occurs at night and after long periods of sitting or lying down. Patients with RLS describe it as an unpleasant feeling that prompts them to constantly move their legs to alleviate the sensation.

Symptoms include pulling, throbbing, aching, itching, or crawling feeling in the legs that is improved upon standing, stretching, pacing, walking, or jiggling.

2. General Leg Pain

When it comes to vein disease, leg pain can exist as sharp pain and/or soreness in the lower half of legs. While patients may minimize this symptom, or attribute it to a different cause or condition, it may very well be indicative of an underlying venous problem.

3. Leg Swelling

When valves become diseased or damaged, they can allow blood to back-up in veins. It can even reach the point where fluid leaks to surrounding tissues and causes swelling in the legs and lower extremities.

Consequently, patients may note that their clothes feel tighter and shoes no longer fit. Skin indentations and leaking fluid are other things to look out for.

4. Leg Tingling

Leg tingling and numbness can be a hidden symptom of vein disease and may feel like pins and needles or your feet falling asleep. It can vary in degree according to the severity of vein disease.

5. Leg Throbbing

Although leg throbbing doesn’t always suggest vein disease, it often warrants further evaluation by a vein specialist.

6. Leg Cramping

Individuals with undiagnosed vein disease may encounter leg cramping, especially at night. This is because venous insufficiency can decrease oxygen and nutrients to muscles, which causes them to tighten and cramp.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms or want to learn more about vein disease, please call the Vein Center of Maryland to schedule an appointment today.

We are conveniently located in Westminster, Eldersburg, Baltimore, Hunt Valley and Bel Air.

We also service Ellicott City and Columbia in Howard County.