When thinking about the characteristics of a vein condition, the first symptoms that come to mind are centered around the lower legs and ankles. Most people wouldn't consider foot symptoms as being due to a vein condition. However, the presence of burning, itching, stinging, and pain in the feet are all fairly common indicators of the presence of a vein condition.
WIth venous insufficiency, abnormal circulation in the legs causes stagnant blood to pool in the lower legs, ankles, and feet. Gravity pulls blood to the lowest extremities. As it pools, pressure builds up in the feet. The way the body reacts to the stagnant blood is with an inflammation reaction. Inflammation can irritate the skin nerves in the feet and lower calves. It's that irritation of the skin nerves in the feet that causes the sensation of burning, stinging, and pain.
The itching is a different symptom. Itching is usually related to effect that inflammation has on the tissues. Normally, inflammation is part of the body's healing response. In the case of a vein condition, the inflammation is not normal, and doesn't actually help the situation but results in a lot of itching. The itching can be severe, and people may scratch to the point that they leave marks on their lower calves and feet.
One way to tell if your foot symptoms are related to a vein condition is to notice when they occur. If your burning and itching worsen at night, it's a pretty good indicator that it is due to a vein condition, and vein treatments will help.
The good news is that when the burning, itching, stinging, and pain in the feet are connected to a vein condition, they will go away or significantly improve after treatment.
The first step to finding a solution is to schedule a free vein screening. We look for symptoms and patterns that point toward the presence of a vein condition. We'll help you navigate insurance and recommend a treatment plan.
