Painful veins are often a symptom arising from vein walls. A vein is a blood vessel that returns blood to the heart and lungs to reabsorb oxygen-rich blood and transport it through the body to all tissues and organs. Some veins are visible beneath the skin’s surface, while deeper veins are not visible. Like pain elsewhere in the body, pain in the veins is transmitted via pain receptors, which can be activated by a number of different factors. When vein pain is experienced in deeper veins that are difficult to see, the cause is often more difficult to determine. Painful veins can occur in arms, legs, feet and other parts of the body. Once the cause has been determined by a doctor, treatment can be initiated.

• What are painful veins?
• Causes of painful veins

• Varicose veins
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Thrombophlebitis
• Venous insufficiency
• Phlebitis
• IV needle
• Cellulite

• Additional symptoms
• Treatment of pain in the veins

• Move more
• Gentle massage
• Support stockings
• Dietary support
• Medicines
• Antibiotics
• Surgery

• Self-care
• Natural treatments

• Horse chestnut
• Witch hazel
• Calendula or marigold

What are painful veins?

Sore veins represent a symptom of several conditions that vary in severity. Pain in the veins is a common symptom in the legs that sometimes occurs along with varicose veins. The pain can present itself as a dull or aching pain and occasionally as a stabbing pain. It can also present as itching around one or more veins. The pain can be constant or variable (intermittent) and it can become worse after sitting or standing for a long time.

Causes of painful veins

There are several possible causes of painful veins.Being overweight is a risk factor for varicose veins / Source: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are dilated veins that look like twisting, blue-purple blood vessels. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins do not close properly and blood flows back, causing the vessels to become clogged; they become wider, fuller and sinuous. Risk factors for varicose veins include gender (women are more likely to have varicose veins than men), advanced age, family history of varicose veins, and being overweight/obese. Varicose veins can cause an aching sensation in the legs, with the pain worsening after long periods of standing or sitting.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT, also known as leg thrombosis, occurs due to a blood clot that forms in the deeper veins of the leg. This vein becomes blocked by a blood clot. A DVT is considered a serious condition because the blood clot has the potential to break loose and can (partially) occlude a blood vessel further down in an organ, a so-called embolism. The worst-case scenario is that the clot reaches the lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of DVT include pain in the calf and swelling of the leg. However, DVT may not cause any symptoms at all.

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis (superficial venous thrombosis) is when a blood clot that forms in the leg becomes inflamed. This can cause DVT, but when it occurs in the more visible veins near the surface of the skin, it is called superficial thrombophlebitis. This condition is often seen in people with varicose veins and occurs due to very similar risk factors: prolonged inactivity and sitting. Thrombophlebitis is often accompanied by general inflammatory symptoms often accompanied by redness, swelling and warmth in the affected area. When it occurs in deep veins, symptoms similar to DVT may occur.Normal vein and venous insufficiency (right) / Source: Decade3d – anatomy online/Shutterstock.com

Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency refers to the deficiency of the venous system, the veins. It involves reduced blood flow that is often found in the legs, but can occur anywhere in the body, especially in arteries farthest from the heart. The two most common types are varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms of venous insufficiency in the legs include:

• edema (edema is an excessive accumulation of fluid)
• visible varicose veins;
• corona phlebectatica (‘ankle flare’): a ring of visible blue vessels on the side of the feet
• hypostatic eczema
• tired legs when standing for a long time
• venous claudication, or a tense feeling in the leg or even severe pain that occurs after walking for some time
• nighttime muscle cramps in the legs and restless legs

Phlebitis

Phlebitis is a condition in which a vein becomes inflamed. The inflammation can cause pain and swelling. When the inflammation is caused by a blood clot or thrombus, it is called thrombophlebitis. Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in the veins of the legs, but it can also affect the veins in the arms.

IV needle

A painful vein can also be caused by an IV needle. An infusion consists of a small plastic tube (cannula), which is introduced into the bloodstream with a needle. Fluids, medications or, for example, a blood transfusion can easily be administered via the infusion. A vein in which an infusion cannula has been inserted often becomes infected after some time as a result of the irritation of the incoming solutions. The infusion is then transferred to another vein.Cellulite on the leg / Source: RafaelLopez, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)

Cellulite

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the subcutaneous connective tissue, the tissue just under the skin. It can spread to the blood vessels, such as the veins. Cellulite should not be confused with cellulite (orange peel). Cellulite is mainly caused by bacteria that enter the body from a portal of entry, such as a cut or wound. The legs are common sites for cellulite, especially in conditions that promote poor wound healing and harm the immune system (such as diabetes). Cellulitis often presents with redness, swelling, warmth and tenderness in the affected area. As the infection spreads, red streaks may appear as the veins and lymphatic vessels become infected.

Additional symptoms

Painful veins can occur with a number of different conditions, each of which can present with its own unique range of symptoms. However, in most cases of vein pain, some general features can be distinguished, including:

• enlarged, visible veins
• heavy feeling in the legs
• hard tissue under the skin
• leg pain and swelling
• skin rash
• skin discoloration
• throbbing or cramping feeling in the legs

Treatment of pain in the veins

Painful veins can be very annoying both physically and cosmetically. Because painful veins have multiple underlying causes, it is highly recommended that you make an appointment with your doctor to determine what is causing the pain. With the right treatment, a successful solution is possible. Treatment of vein pain depends on the underlying cause.Exercise prevents painful veins / Source: Istock.com/monkeybusinessimages

Move more

The contraction of muscles helps in the movement of blood through the veins back to the heart. The calf muscles work hard, especially when running or jogging, which promotes blood circulation. This explains why rest and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the development of varicose veins and painful veins.

Gentle massage

Using olive oil or coconut oil as a lubricant or possibly with a special cream, a gentle upward massage can smooth out twisted veins and improve blood flow. However, it is important never to apply direct pressure to tortuous veins. Massage is an active way to improve blood flow, which reduces complaints such as painful veins.

Support stockings

Support stockings and compression stockings are widely used to reduce the risk of complications due to DVT. Wearing support stockings also reduces the risk of recurring DVT. The vein walls can also be relieved of varicose veins by wearing support stockings or varicose vein stockings.Healthy food / Source: Oleksandra Naumenko/Shutterstock

Dietary support

A deficiency of one or more of the B vitamins from the vitamin B complex, such as B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin), can increase homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an intermediate in the conversion of the amino acid methionine to the amino acid cysteine and is known to damage the lining of the blood vessels and also increases the risk of thrombosis and varicose veins. Alcohol is also known to increase homocysteine levels. You can easily get these vitamins by eating a healthy and varied diet; You’ll find these vitamins in tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey and eggs, just to name a few.

Medicines

Taking blood thinners can help prevent the formation of blood clots that lead to thrombophlebitis or DVT. The blood thinners do not dissolve the existing clot, but prevent new clots from forming. In severe cases, thrombolysis is necessary. Dis is a treatment in which a clot in a blood vessel, caused by thrombosis or embolism, is dissolved with powerful agents. If you have a stroke, you should receive an infusion of medication as soon as possible to dissolve the clot in the brain.Medication for cellulite / Source: Stevepb, Pixabay

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used when the source of vein pain is due to cellulitis caused by bacterial infection. Depending on the extent of the infection and the specific bacterial organism causing it, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic medication. The treatment usually lasts five to ten days, but can also last up to 14 days.

Surgery

Surgery can be used in severe cases of venous insufficiency or varicose veins. Possible surgical treatments may include:

• Sclerotherapy or sclerocompression therapy is the removal of varicose veins by injecting an irritating substance into them.
• Laser treatment can be used to treat smaller varicose veins that are not too close to the skin.
• Stripping of varicose veins: This involves removing (stripping) veins in the superficial vascular system through small incisions in the skin.
• Ambulatory phlebectomy (the Muller technique): this involves removing the varicose vein under the skin.
• Blood vessel surgery on a leg: if a blockage or narrowing of one or more leg arteries has been identified, a bypass can be made using a private vein or a synthetic blood vessel.

 Losing weight if you are overweight / Source: Eelnosiva/Shutterstock.com

Self-care

Several lifestyle changes can reduce painful veins and prevent them from worsening. This involves a healthy lifestyle including losing weight if you are overweight, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding sitting or standing still for long periods of time, not smoking and drinking moderate or no alcohol.

Natural treatments

There are also natural treatments available for painful veins. However, it is important to first consult your doctor if you have any complaints and seek medical advice on how to best deal with the complaints.

Horse chestnut

An age-old treatment for varicose veins, horse chestnut seeds are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties. The use of horse chestnut can reduce the appearance of varicose veins because it has a positive effect as a regulating factor that prevents vasoconstriction. This herbal remedy can be used externally on the skin or consumed in supplement form. It is important to note that unprocessed horse chestnut can be toxic and is not recommended, especially in pregnant or breastfeeding women.Witch hazel / Source: Donar Reiskoffer, Wikimedia Commons (GFDL)

Witch hazel

Witch hazel is very effective for strengthening blood vessels and good for reducing the symptoms of varicose veins. It also contains gallic acid and other essential oils that help reduce swelling and pain. Witch hazel can be used by soaking a cloth in the solution and placing it on the affected area. Repeat this two to three times a day for one or two months.

Calendula or marigold

This aesthetically pleasing flower has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Calendula or marigold is also known for promoting collagen formation in the skin, thereby restoring its natural texture. This herb also has antimicrobial properties and promotes circulation. You can boil one cup of calendula in five cups of water for five minutes, then soak a cotton cloth in the solution and place it over the affected area. Repeat this several times a day for a few months to see visible improvement.

read more

• Vein inflammation: causes and symptoms of an inflamed vein
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries): symptoms and treatment
• Phlebitis (inflamed vein): symptoms, cause and treatment