Leg problems > Veins need help?

Signs that your veins need help

There are several physical signs that your veins need help to return the blood from your lower leg. These include:

• Tired, aching, sometimes painful legs, made worse by standing or sitting for long periods of time and relieved by putting your feet up
• Swollen ankles at the end of the day
• Spider veins – tiny blood vessels visible just under the surface of your skin
• Bulging varicose veins caused by blood pooling
• Itchy, hot, or discoloured skin – the colour may vary from brown through to blue/black
• A wound or sore on your leg, which does not heal or is very slow to heal – known as a venous ulcer

How to help your veins

There are a number of things that you can do to help your veins and protect your legs and feet from further damage. These include lifestyle choices and wearing compression hosiery.