Do varicose veins always cause symptoms?

This question asks whether the answer is always yes. The desk read three published passages. They show what causes symptoms, how rare serious problems are and when to get help.

The directive: do not assume symptoms, and know when to call

Cleveland Clinic says most people do not have serious complications from varicose veins. The NHS lists symptoms and signs that mean you should see a doctor.

The passages behind it

The page on varicose veins at Cleveland Clinic says:

Complications of this condition Most people don’t have serious complications from varicose veins.

The Society for Vascular Surgery says:

With varicose veins, poorly functioning valves allow blood to pool in the lower leg and cause symptoms.

The NHS page on varicose veins says:

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: You have varicose veins and: you have symptoms such as pain, itching or swelling in your legs you get a sore on your leg that has not healed after 2 weeks they are getting worse Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if: you have varicose veins that are bleeding You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

The first passage speaks of serious complications, not of symptoms. The second says blood pooling can cause symptoms. None of the three says every varicose vein causes symptoms or that none do. The desk's reading is that the question is open and the answer depends on the person.

Confirm one thing at your visit

Ask your treating clinician which of your symptoms, if any, come from the veins. For wider background, see the NHS page on varicose veins, a radiology society's guide, MedlinePlus questions to ask your doctor and Cleveland Clinic's overview.

A note from the desk

The NHS advice is written for the NHS health system, so its contact steps do not carry over to Westerville. Its list of signs is still a useful checklist to bring to a local clinician.