For many people with varicose veins, these enlarged or twisted veins are only a superficial or cosmetic problem. In other words, for numerous patients with varicose veins, the varicose veins do not pose any type of physical harm or medical risk. At the same time, however, varicose veins can cause significant achiness and pain, and perhaps even embarrassment. For some patients, varicose veins can also lead to other serious medical issues. Many patients with varicose veins will begin the process of treating their varicose veins with at-home methods, but often self-care treatments are not enough to completely eliminate the problems caused by varicose veins. The following are five signs that it is time to treat your varicose veins with help from a professional.
1. Heavy Feeling or Swelling in Your Legs
Varicose veins can cause a feeling of heaviness, tiredness, or swelling in your legs. Generally speaking, the feeling of having heavy legs is known as venous insufficiency, and it is often linked to poor circulation in your legs. Venous insufficiency can result from many different causes, including varicose veins. Varicose veins can lead to a feeling of heaviness in your legs, as well as swollen legs and ankles. If you have varicose veins and your legs feel heavy, that heaviness or swelling could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires treatment.
To be sure, the feeling of heaviness in your legs when it is tied to varicose veins may be a sign of a particular type of vein disorder known as venous reflux. Venous reflux is the medical term for a condition in which vein walls open up, and the valves do not work properly. In more generic terms, this condition refers to the leaking of the valves in your veins. To diagnose the condition, you will likely undergo a vein mapping ultrasound. Often venous reflux is accompanied by other symptoms that may include burning or itching.
2. Pain, Burning, Aching, or Cramping in Your Legs
Pain, burning, aching, cramping, stiffness, and other related sensations in your legs can be a strong sign that it is time to have your varicose veins treated. These symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition that requires treatment, but it is also important to get treated for the simple purpose of putting an end to the pain you are experiencing.
3. Itchiness Around the Site of Your Veins
If you are experiencing itching around one of your varicose veins, it is time to seek treatment. You could be experiencing itching due to a complication. If left untreated, varicose veins may result in serious complications such as bleeding, blood clots, and ulcers. By having your varicose veins treated as soon as you experience symptoms, you can prevent complications from occurring.
4. Changes in Your Skin, Including Skin Discoloration
If you notice changes to your skin, you should seek treatment for your varicose vein. Skin changes that warrant treatment include, but are not limited to, discoloration of the skin, redness around the varicose vein, dry skin, scaling skin, and thinning skin. If you have these symptoms, the valves in your veins could be weakening, and blood may not be traveling through your body as it is supposed to do. With treatment, you can ease or even eradicate these symptoms.
5. Family History of Varicose Veins or Blood Clots
If you have a family history of varicose veins or blood clots, you could be at increased risk for varicose veins. When you have a family history of varicose veins or related conditions, not only can your varicose veins worsen over time, but you could also be at an increased risk of suffering a blood clot, a stroke, or a pulmonary embolism. You should discuss this history with your health care provider to learn more about options for treating any existing varicose veins and preventing varicose veins in the future.
In addition to treatments for existing varicose veins, your health care provider might suggest certain self-care regimens that include wearing compression socks or engaging in regular exercise. If you are at increased risk for varicose veins and blood clots, it can also be helpful to avoid sitting or standing in the same position for an extended period of time.
Contact Advanced Vein Therapy for Help
Are you or a loved one suffering from varicose veins, or have symptoms that suggest you may need treatment for varicose veins or a similar medical condition? If so, call now to set up an appointment with Advanced Vein Therapy to discuss treatment options that will help you to feel better. Contact Advanced Vein Therapy today!