What is a common symptom associated with chronic varicose veins?

Edema in the lower extremities is a hallmark symptom of chronic varicose veins. This condition arises due to impaired venous return, which means that blood is not effectively returning to the heart from the lower extremities. This inefficiency leads to increased venous pressure, causing fluid to leak out of the veins and accumulate in the surrounding tissues. The result is swelling, or edema, in the legs and ankles, particularly after prolonged standing or sitting.

Chronic varicose veins can lead to other symptoms as well, such as aching, heaviness, and discomfort in the legs, but edema is one of the more visible and common manifestations. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for diagnosing varicose veins and understanding the underlying hemodynamic changes that contribute to venous insufficiency.