Could Your Foot Pain Be Caused by Varicose Veins?
If you’ve been suffering from foot pain, did you know it could be a symptom of varicose veins?
While most commonly associated with bulging, unsightly veins, they can also cause irritation, swelling and pain. Foot pain is typically blamed on plantar fasciitis, but it’s not always the case. So, how can varicose veins lead to foot pain?
Varicose veins in the foot
The main reason foot pain and varicose veins are rarely linked, is because varicose veins are mainly thought to develop in the calves. However, they can in fact develop practically anywhere on the body, including the foot.
If you develop varicose veins on the sole of the foot, you can experience the same type of symptoms as you would with plantar fasciitis. So, to diagnose the problem, an imaging scan would need to be carried out.
While they can affect anybody, they do tend to be more prevalent in women who are over the age of 55.
Treating varicose veins in the foot
Treating varicose veins in the foot, also referred to as atypical plantar fasciitis, is much the same as treating them in the legs. There’s a wide range of treatment options available including sclerotherapy, compression therapy and surgery.
In order to determine which treatment is right for you, it’s important to attend a consultation. A vein specialist can tell you which treatments are likely to be most effective. You may be pleasantly surprised by how simple the treatment is. Most people associate varicose vein treatments with surgery, but these days its only necessary to go under the knife as a last resort.
It’s a common misconception that varicose veins are harmless and purely a cosmetic issue. The truth is, they can be uncomfortable and painful and if left untreated, have the potential to lead to more serious health problems.
Overall, if you are suffering from foot pain, it’s really important to get them checked out. If you work on your feet all day, or spend long periods of time sat down, you’re at an increased risk of developing varicose veins.