When to Worry About Varicose Veins

Wondering when to worry about varicose veins? Knowing the signs of serious complications can help you decide when it’s time to seek medical advice. Varicose veins are a common medical condition. While they are often viewed as a purely cosmetic concern, varicose veins can also indicate more serious complications that require medical intervention.

In this blog, we’ll explore when you should be worried about varicose veins. First, let’s examine what they are and the reasons behind developing varicose veins.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a symptom of chronic venous insufficiency – the body is impaired in its ability to circulate blood through the body. Varicose veins appear as twisted and enlarged veins under the skin’s surface. Superficial veins may look swollen and blue-purple or red in color. Painful symptoms can accompany this health concern. Discomfort or heaviness from the affected veins is most often reported.

Due to increased pressure in the veins, the vein walls may weaken or the tiny valves inside the blood vessels that control the direction of blood flow can become damaged. Blood flowing in the wrong direction can lead to a condition where blood pools in the veins rather than flowing as it should. Leaking or breakage of a damaged vein can occur.

Why Do Varicose Veins Develop?

Several risk factors can contribute to the likelihood of developing varicose veins. See a doctor to discuss these and other risk factors you may have.

Demographics

Your specific demographic statistics may factor into whether you are more likely to develop varicose veins. As you age, the valves and vein walls may naturally weaken due to wear and tear. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, partly because of hormone changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. A family history can increase your personal risk of varicose veins too.

Lifestyle

Extra body weight puts added pressure on your veins, which may lead to vein diseases like varicose veins. Jobs that require standing or sitting for long periods can also add to the stress on your body.

Pregnancy

Blood volume increases during pregnancy which introduces added pressure on blood vessels. Hormone changes may cause vessels to expand which may cause you to develop complications like varices.

Should You Worry About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Blood Clots with Varicose Veins?

Most varicose veins are not life-threatening. However, the medical condition can sometimes be associated with more serious health problems like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots. The link isn’t entirely understood. Your best option is to see a doctor to get a personal assessment of your health.

If you experience sudden painful symptoms and swelling or redness in your lower leg, seek the help of a medical professional. This could be signs of DVT which require immediate attention.

Prevent varicose veins by staying active to keep healthy circulation and maintain a healthy weight. Elevate your legs when resting to reduce pressure on your veins. Consider wearing compression stockings to help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of a blood clot forming.

Varicose Vein Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of varicose veins is important for early diagnosis and treatment. Some people may not experience any discomfort, while others may have leg pain or muscle cramps. Here are some other symptoms associated with varicose veins:

Visible Veins

The most obvious symptom is the appearance of twisted and swollen veins under the skin’s surface. They are often blue or purple. These are different from spider veins which are smaller and not the same as varicose veins, but may indicate that varicose veins may develop in the future.

Aching or Heaviness

Varicose veins can cause severe pain. Some report it as a dull ache or heaviness in the limbs. It is also sometimes described as a throbbing or burning in the affected vein. The skin around varicose veins can become itchy or develop a rash.

Skin Changes

In severe varicose veins cases, skin ulcers may develop because blood isn’t circulating back to the heart effectively. As blood backs up in the veins, pressure builds and an open venous ulcer may form.

Other Conditions

Arteries carry blood away to the extremities and veins return it to the heart. But when blood flows incorrectly due to varicose veins, it can make a person susceptible to other serious health issues.

A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot forms and travels to the lungs, causing a life-threatening emergency. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) happens when veins don’t provide enough blood flow to the limbs and make infections more likely.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Clearly, varicose veins are not always a simple cosmetic concern for everyone. How can you treat varicose veins?

Varicose vein treatment options run the gamut from a minimally invasive procedure to more direct assistance from a vascular surgeon. For some, simple lifestyle changes can help to address risk factors while minimizing pain symptoms. For example, maintaining a healthy weight and a good diet are key to keeping the circulatory system healthy. Wear compression stockings to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Avoid long periods of inactivity.

Medications like NSAIDs – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen – can help with pain management.

Laser treatments that use focused light can close off smaller varicose veins close to the skin’s surface without incisions or needles.

Varicose Vein Treatment – Surgical Treatment Options

Surgery may be the answer to address more serious varicose veins. Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to heat and collapse vein walls, sealing them.

In more severe cases, vein ligation and stripping tie off and remove affected veins through small incisions. Another possible procedure is inserting a chemical solution directly into the varicose vein to reduce it. Insurance may not cover this treatment if they consider it to be a cosmetic procedure unless it is deemed medically necessary.

Conclusion

Varicose veins are usually not dangerous. But they are an indication that circulation problems are happening. In addition, varicose veins can cause leg pain and be a precursor to more serious health problems like leg ulcers. Speak with your primary care doctor or a vascular surgeon to determine the best course available to address your varicose veins and avoid complications.