Can pain and swelling in ankles be from varicose veins?

I have varicose veins. For the past two months I have had severe pain and swelling in my ankles. I have no arthritis. Can the pain and swelling be from the varicose veins? Am to have a venous reflux exam next week.

Answers from doctors (8)


Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 18, 2012

Venous insufficiency is the diagnosis. Varicose veins is one presentation of the disease, as are other symptoms and signs such as swelling in the calves and ankles, pain at the end of the day, night time symptoms of cramps, restless legs syndrome, night time urination, skin discoloration and thickening, bleeding and ulceration from veins in the lower leg. I agree with venous ultrasound evaluation for insufficiency specifically, not just to rule out blood clots.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

Venous insufficiency is the diagnosis. Varicose veins is one presentation of the disease, as are other symptoms and signs such as swelling in the calves and ankles, pain at the end of the day, night time symptoms of cramps, restless legs syndrome, night time urination, skin discoloration and thickening, bleeding and ulceration from veins in the lower leg. I agree with venous ultrasound evaluation for insufficiency specifically, not just to rule out blood clots.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Nov 02, 2012

Pain and swelling (particularly in the ankles) can definitely be related to
varicose veins, which are due to venous insufficiency of the superficial
(and possibly deep) system(s). You should have an evaluation of your lower
extremities by an expert in vein disorders that will include a venous
duplex exam (ultrasound and Doppler). This will determine if your symptoms
are related to your (obvious) vein condition.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Pain and swelling (particularly in the ankles) can definitely be related to
varicose veins, which are due to venous insufficiency of the superficial
(and possibly deep) system(s). You should have an evaluation of your lower
extremities by an expert in vein disorders that will include a venous
duplex exam (ultrasound and Doppler). This will determine if your symptoms
are related to your (obvious) vein condition.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Nov 01, 2012

Yes, swelling and pain in the lower legs is a very common symptom of varicose veins and venous reflux.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Yes, swelling and pain in the lower legs is a very common symptom of varicose veins and venous reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Oct 30, 2012

Although varicose veins can certainly cause ankle swelling, I would have first seen your primary care doctor. If the phlebologist does not think your painful swelling is from varicose veins or thrombosis, that should be
your next move.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Although varicose veins can certainly cause ankle swelling, I would have first seen your primary care doctor. If the phlebologist does not think your painful swelling is from varicose veins or thrombosis, that should be
your next move.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Oct 30, 2012

Yes. It is possible that one of the symptoms of venous incompetence can be edema (swelling) in the lower extremities.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Yes. It is possible that one of the symptoms of venous incompetence can be edema (swelling) in the lower extremities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Oct 29, 2012

Yes it can and the ultrasound exam should show it.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Yes it can and the ultrasound exam should show it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 29, 2012

Your symptoms could be from varicose veins. A Venous Reflux exam is certainly indicated.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Your symptoms could be from varicose veins. A Venous Reflux exam is certainly indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Oct 29, 2012

Certainly seems that the best next step is to have your legs vein checked for reflux. Be careful who is doing the test on you. Make sure that they are looking for relux and not just for DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
Make sure that the person that does the test is a Board Certified Vein Specialist and not a young technician that just finished a 2 months course online. There is a big difference in the quality of the information obtained and the decision(s) made depending on the experience and knowledge of the person making the diagnosis.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Certainly seems that the best next step is to have your legs vein checked for reflux. Be careful who is doing the test on you. Make sure that they are looking for relux and not just for DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
Make sure that the person that does the test is a Board Certified Vein Specialist and not a young technician that just finished a 2 months course online. There is a big difference in the quality of the information obtained and the decision(s) made depending on the experience and knowledge of the person making the diagnosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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