When To Worry About Varicose Veins

Blood is transported from the heart to the rest of the body by arteries and returned to the heart through veins. There are valves in your veins that assist in controlling how much blood returns to the heart.

Inferior or damaged veins or valves prevent appropriate blood flow. Pressure can increase, causing the veins to enlarge and the legs and feet to expand. There is a chance that blood clots or even ulcers could form over time.

Spider veins are a frequent name for varicose veins in their milder form

If you are suffering pain or you observe swelling or discoloration of your lower legs, these can be indicators of a more severe problem and you should consult a doctor. Others may develop restless leg syndrome, which causes throbbing, burning, cramping, or itching in the legs.

When the veins in your legs prevent enough blood from returning to your heart, it is known as chronic venous insufficiency. Venous reflux is caused by weaker or damaged valves. Blood may accumulate in your legs as a result of this. Ulcers may eventually develop if the disease worsens.

About 25% of people have chronic venous insufficiency, but only a few get diagnosed and even fewer get treatment.

Leg ulcers, a common issue linked to varicose veins, affect about 1 million people in the United States. A leg ulcer is a break in the skin that allows bacteria to penetrate into the tissue. They often go away on their own, but varicose veins can hinder healing and cause the ulcer to remain and perhaps spread.

Those with severe peripheral artery disease may also get ulcers. Please seek the assistance of a vascular professional to distinguish between the two.

Are uncomfortable varicose veins harmful?

Varicose veins are often not harmful, but the longer you have them, the more issues they may cause. Your chance of getting pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis may rise if you have varicose veins.

When a blood clot develops in one of your body's deep veins, deep vein thrombosis occurs. Leg pain and swelling may result from it

Known as a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that separates and moves to the lungs is a medical emergency. This is a serious condition that has to be treated right now. Shortness of breath and chest discomfort are possible symptoms.

Also, you can develop superficial thrombophlebitis, a blood clot in a vein just below the skin. This kind of clot typically won't move to your lungs. Yet, it can also result in intense, stabbing pain throughout the vein's surface, as well as a hardened, reddened vein.

When to visit the doctor

Using compression tights throughout the day can relieve symptoms of varicose veins by increasing blood flow to the veins. After standing or walking for a while, elevating your legs might also aid the blood flow.

Make an appointment with a vascular specialist to discuss low-risk procedures that can help relieve varicose veins if you try these suggestions and your symptoms persist.