Because they are building their dreams and futures, young people are typically not thinking about their vein health. Studies show that over 80 million people in the U.S. suffer from vein disorders, and these numbers are not limited to older adults. Young adults and teens can and do experience the symptoms of a vein condition, and often dismiss it.
Vein conditions are more than just a physical ailment; they carry an emotional weight that often goes unnoticed due to people staring and pointing at your unsightly veins or going so far as to make fun of your legs. With abnormal valves failing to function correctly, a third of the population is predisposed to this struggle and is silently enduring the negative gaze of others. For some, the shocked looks from people begin as early as their teens, marked by a prominent vein or a bulging discomfort in their leg, accompanied by symptoms like aching, fatigue, and cramps.
The psychological impact on youth can be profound due to the feeling of social isolation attached to people having such a negative reaction to their visible leg veins. The young adult with a vein condition learns quickly - by the facial expression of others - whether the person finds their appearance abnormal. The importance of a positive body image during these formative years cannot be overstated. Negative feedback and body shaming (a form of bullying by others) can significantly impact mental health, making early treatment not just a matter of physical well-being, but of psychological importance too.
A Vein Care Patient’s Story
A particularly heart-wrenching story illustrates the profound impact of untreated vein conditions. A healthy, active woman in her thirties shared her decades-long battle with a prominent vein that marred her leg. Her dream was simple yet deeply touching: to participate in a river float trip without the need to hide behind blue jeans. She simply wanted to wear a bathing suit like everyone else, but wouldn't. This decision stemmed from a painful adolescence where teasing and ridicule by her classmates led her to not only stop wearing dresses and shorts, she took all of them and burned them, shamed into never wearing them again. More than two decades passed before she sought treatment, a testament to the lasting scars left by unaddressed vein conditions and societal judgment.
This story underscores the importance of addressing vein conditions early, not only to alleviate physical discomfort but also to prevent the psychological turmoil that can arise from negative body image. It's a call to action for understanding, empathy, and timely medical intervention. For many, the journey through vein conditions is not just about treating a physical symptom but healing a wound that's more than skin deep.
Dr. Ryan's Vein Condition Story
I have personally experienced vein symptoms at a young age but wasn't fully aware of it at the time. I was a 15-year teenager when saw a bulging vein on my calf and I knew that wasn't normal. In my young adult years, I noticed leg pain and fatigue, but just put up with it since it wasn't really slowing me down. I was 25 years old in medical school and I found that standing all day long in the operating rooms was killing me. My legs really hurt. I did get relief with compression stockings for a while, and then even those stopped working. I eventually got my legs treated. Much to my amazement, my pain, aching, and cramps went away! Until then, I had thought leg pain was an old person’s disease. I know now that it’s not.
Although vein reflux is more common as people get older, it is something we see in teens and young adults. It doesn't mean you are unusual...it is just the way some people are primarily because they inherited it from their parents. If there is someone in their family who has struggled with a vein condition, it is very likely that you will too.
How Concerned Should a Parent Be?
If signs of a vein condition start to appear in your teens or twenties, parents or family members may be concerned about what this means and if this is indicative of something more serious for your health. The presence of a vein condition at this age is not associated with an increased risk of serious medical problems such as blood clots, heart failure, or heart attack. What is the significance of a vein condition at this age? It will progress and the symptoms will worsen as you age.
Typical Vein Symptoms Found in Teens and Young Adults
It's important to know that there are both visible and invisible signs of a vein condition and to know what to watch for:
- Invisible signs include tenderness in the leg, aching, swelling, throbbing, leg cramps at night.
- Evening fatigue. If you are experiencing fatigue, especially in the evening, or after what seems like a good night's sleep...it may be the result of a vein condition. Fatigue is a classic but silent symptom.
- Athletic performance may suffer for reasons that are unclear to your child.
- Visible indicators include spider veins, especially around the ankles, bulging ropey veins, blue veins, and swelling. Skin discoloration is very uncommon in teenagers and people in their 20s, but if left untreated will likely develop.
What Steps Should I Take Moving Forward?
If you are not quite sure if your or your child's leg symptoms, fatigue, or visible veins are significant, the best way to know for sure is to schedule a vein screening. Our clinics offer a free vein screening or you can find a vein specialist in your area. A vein care specialist will review your symptoms, look at your legs, and perform a specialized vein reflux ultrasound. With this information, they will let you know if further evaluation is needed.
