Can a pedicure aggravate varicose veins on the ankle/foot? Increased tingling since I went. My legs look like I'm 70 (Photo)

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.


Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

If compression stockings reduce swelling and thereby improve the burning sensation, then you can assume that swelling related to venous insufficiency is causing your symptoms. As such, treatments for venous insufficiency should relieve your symptoms. Seek a vein specialist who is certified by the ABVLM. In the interim, take some venotropic supplements to help reduce inflammation in the varicose veins and which help reduce your symptoms. I recommend a bioflavonoid formula containing Diosmin called Varicosmain and/or an aescin (horse chestnut extract) based product containing Gotu Kola and bilberry (Veinamin). See the link below for more information. 

Thank you for the question! I've never heard of a pedicure aggravating varicose veins, but your 3 pregnancies were most likely the factor in exacerbating them. Wearing compression stockings may impede the progression of your symptoms and temporarily relieve discomfort, but I'd advise scheduling an in-person consultation with a vein treatment specialist to come up with more permanent solutions.  In my practice, I often rely on sclerotherapy to treat medium to large-sized veins with an injectable sclerosing solution that causes the vein to shrink.  Following the procedure, the blood is naturally rerouted to flow through healthy veins, while treated veins gradually fade and disappear from view. 
An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and obtain expert medical advice. Best of luck!

Even though you are using compression stockings and that is part of conservative vein treatment, my recommendation is to do a full venous reflux evaluation which includes an ultrasound scan of the lower extremities to determine if venous insufficiency or reflux is present and if it is what is the extent of it. Overall, healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to help the blood return back to the heart. When venous reflux disease develops, the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart no longer function, causing to pool in the legs and leading to signs and symptoms such as varicose veins, leg or ankle swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue, leg pain, aching or cramping, burning or itching of the skin, restless legs, skin changes or rashes, ulcers, open wounds, or sores. Factors that contribute to the presence of venous reflux include age, gender, family history, heavy lifting, multiple pregnancies, obesity, and prolonged standing. If venous reflux test is positive and symptoms are present without complications, it is recommended to treat underlying venous insufficiency of the superficial system saphenous system, accessory veins, and/or tributaries that are compromised. For this, thermal energy treatment options as well as more innovative treatment options are available in combination with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and/or phlebectomy if necessary. Your physician can help you make an informed health care decision on what treatment or combination of treatments are best for you. 
All the best,