Varicose Veins can occur anywhere on the body but they are often found in the legs and feet. Varicose Veins appear as dark purple or blue and are bulging or lumped up and twisted in their appearance. Varicose veins appear to be a common occurrence affecting about 25 percent of all adults. Presently, one in four adults in the US has varicose veins.
The cause of varicose veins is malfunctioning valve veins. Veins are blood vessels transporting blood from the rest of the body to the heart. In places like the legs, they have to travel against gravity.
Thus, to prevent blood from flowing back, there are a series of one-way tiny valves that open and close allowing blood to flow to the heart and not backward. When these valves fail, blood starts pooling in these sections causing the veins to swell and enlarge. Certain factors increase the risk of developing varicose veins including;
- Sex – Women are at a higher risk
- Pregnancy is a result of increased blood volume in the body.
- Age- It increases wear and tears in the valves which damages them.
- Standing to sit for long periods of time. Movement aids in blood flow.
- Family history – If close family members have varicose veins you have a high risk of developing them too.
- Being overweight or obese – Adds pressure on the veins.
When to see a doctor
Usually, varicose veins may not require you to see a doctor. Only when they develop symptoms and become painful or cause discomfort does one need to see a doctor. You can also see a doctor if you are uncomfortable with the appearance of the varicose veins and want them removed.
Symptoms of varicose veins that need the doctor’s attention are;
- An aching and heavy feeling in the legs makes them uncomfortable.
- Throbbing, burning, and muscle cramping sensations in the lower legs.
- Swollen ankles and feet.
- The skin around the affected veins is dry, thin, and itchy.
- Skin color changes around the affected vein.
- The pain in the leg worsens after sitting or standing for a long time while the pain in the leg worsens at night.
Varicose Veins complications
Another reason you may need to see a doctor for your varicose veins is if they develop Complications. While not common, varicose veins do develop complications that need urgent medical attention. The complications include;
- Ulcers: Painful ulcers may develop on the skin in the spaces near the varicose veins. The ulcers usually start as a discolored spot close to the varicose veins.
- Bleeding; At times, the varicose veins close to the skin can burst of you bump your leg or in a cut accident and the bleeding could be difficult to stop requiring emergency medical treatment.
- Blood clots: Blood clots could also form in the veins leading to conditions like thrombophlebitis; which is the inflammation of veins in your legs, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which happens in deeper veins and can cause serious health complications such as pulmonary embolism.
We can help you
If you are worried about your varicose veins whether, for cosmetic reasons or health-related issues, Washington Vascular Specialists can help you. We are experts in all vascular diseases and conditions with a staff full of certified and experienced medical professionals. You will be taken through a simple but thorough diagnosis to ascertain your condition and any risks present. we will also discuss with you the best treatment options for your condition which are minimally invasive and have fast healing times.
Do not risk severe complications or suffer alone with pain and discomfort or unsightly spots on your legs. Contact us today and let us help you.
