Patient was instructed regarding signs and symptoms of varicose veins as follows:
- Aching pain in the legs, secondary to increased accumulation of blood in the veins
- Worsening pain and muscle cramps in the legs with activity and exercise, secondary to reduced oxygen supply to the working muscles
- Dark blue or purple colored cord like veins in the lower limbs, secondary to accumulation of deoxygenated blood in the veins
- Swelling of the limbs, secondary to venous distention
- Redness and itching of skin at the site of distended veins, secondary to inflammation
- The inflamed veins can occasionally lead to sites of bleeding on the lower extremities
- Poor healing at these sites of bleeding, secondary to poor oxygenation of blood, can result in venous ulcer formation.
