What symptom should a nurse expect a client with varicose veins to report prior to undergoing sclerotherapy?

A client with varicose veins may report a feeling of heaviness in both legs as a common symptom associated with this condition. This sensation often arises due to poor circulation and venous insufficiency, where blood pools in the veins, especially after prolonged standing or sitting. The heaviness can contribute to discomfort and may be exacerbated by physical activity, especially in the legs.

In contrast, cramping in the legs, while it may occur in some individuals, is not as directly associated with varicose veins as the sensation of heaviness. A burning sensation in the feet could suggest nerve-related issues rather than being a classic symptom of varicose veins. Numbness in the toes typically points towards nerve compression or other neurological issues rather than the vascular problems seen in varicose veins. Hence, the feeling of heaviness is the most characteristic symptom clients often report before undergoing sclerotherapy.