Signs and symptoms of varicose veins in the legs may include:

If the affected leg is injured (e.g., due to a fall or other accident), people may also develop chronic venous insufficiency, which could lead to a complication called a leg ulcer (stasis ulcer). A leg ulcer is an open sore on the lower part of the leg that is usually small, close to the skin and very painful because of exposed nerve endings. A physician can often see or feel a varicose vein close to the open sore during a physical examination.

A leg ulcer is caused by poor circulation to the skin (stasis dermatitis), usually near the ankle. It demands immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it becomes virtually incurable. In the most extreme cases, leg ulcers can cause tissue death (necrosis), which can lead to amputation of the affected limb if infection (gangrene) sets in.