Have you noticed twisting veins appearing dark or blue-purple in your legs and feet? Do you know what these are? These are called varicose veins and are swollen and enlarged. They occur when valves in the veins do not work properly. As a result, blood does not flow appropriately.
Painful symptoms of varicose veins mainly include heavy feeling in the legs, swelling or muscle cramping in the lower legs, and severe pain in standing or sitting for a long time. You can also have itching around one or more of the veins.
Treatment is not necessary if the patient does not have symptoms or discomfort. However, treatment is required on having discomfort or pain. Guys at Vein Center will help to put an end to your burden by providing adequate treatment.
Let us see when and how the varicose veins are a sign of deeper trouble.
Risk factors of varicose veins
The factors that include the risk of developing varicose veins are discussed below-
Age
Aging is responsible for causing wear and tear of the veins found in the valves regulating blood flow. As a result, the wear allows the valves to flow the blood back to the veins. Here, it collects instead of flowing up the heart.
Gender
Women are more prone to develop the condition as compared to men. Hormonal changes before the periods, menopause, or pregnancy are some reasons that increase risk among women. It is because female hormones relax in vein walls. Consuming birth control pills also increases the risk of varicose veins.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the blood volume. The change supports the growing fetus, but it can also cause enlarged veins in the legs.
Family history
There are greater chances of having varicose veins if someone in the family already suffers from the problem.
Obesity
Being obese adds pressure on the veins, causing discomfort and pain.
Sitting or standing for a long time
If you sit or regularly stand for long periods, the blood does not flow properly. It will cause varicose veins.
Complications
Complications related to varicose veins are rare, but some of them include the following.
Ulcers
Painful ulcers on the skin can appear near varicose veins, especially near the ankles. A discolored spot usually occurs on the skin before the ulcer forms. You need to consult a doctor immediately if you suspect the formation of an ulcer.
Blood clots
In rare cases, veins within the legs might enlarge. The affected leg might swell and be painful. A persistent swelling or leg pain needs immediate medical attention.
Bleeding
Veins that are pretty close to the skin might burst occasionally. It can cause minor bleeding that requires immediate medical attention.
Difference between Varicose and Spider veins
Spider and varicose veins are somewhat similar to one another. Varicose veins are large, raised bulging blood vessels, while spider veins are clusters of smaller veins. Varicose veins indicate a deficiency in deep veins, while spider veins signify insufficiency in the superficial veins.
Varicose can sometimes become painful and cause leg swelling. However, spider veins are almost always painless and do not cause leg swelling or do not result in health issues.
Signs of trouble with varicose veins
Varicose veins have the probability of causing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that forms in deep veins in the body. DVT can be threatening as blood clots in the veins can become loose and break. As a result, blood will flow through the bloodstream and get stuck in the lungs. It can lead to pulmonary embolism or blocking of blood flow.
It is worth getting the varicose veins checked by the doctor. Other serious issues related to varicose veins that you need to note are swelling, restless legs, achy legs, and ulcers on the legs. On top of it, the risk-prone population, including old age people, pregnant women, obese, and smokers, should also consult a doctor.
Treatment
Fortunately, varicose vein treatment does not require a hospital stay. Invasive procedures can help varicose veins treatment on an outpatient basis. The following treatments can help cure varicose veins.
Self-care includes losing weight, exercising, elevating legs, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods.
Compression stockings – Wearing compression stockings can squeeze your legs so that blood can move efficiently.
Other treatments include –
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser treatment
- Catheter-assisted procedures
- Endoscopic vein surgery
Conclusion
Varicose veins do not cause serious health complications. However, conditions like continuous swelling and leg pain require attention. As soon as you notice risky signs and symptoms, do not delay consulting a doctor.
