Your biggest concern about varicose veins might be their appearance on your legs and feet. The bulging and twisted vein clusters form when you have faulty valves. When the valves malfunction, the pressures in your legs increase, weakening the valves’ walls. The good news is that Upper East Side varicose veins experts can help limit your impact of the faulty veins. Varicose veins are not a preserve for a specific gender. Both men and women develop vein clusters, especially with age. However, genetics, pregnancy, and being overweight may increase your risks of developing varicose veins.
Are varicose veins a health concern?
Varicose veins are not dangerous. Additionally, the veins are less likely to damage your legs or result in dangerous blood clots. Unfortunately, the veins can sometimes get uncomfortable, feeling itchy and hot. If you are physically active, varicose veins may prevent you from going for regular exercises.
When should you worry about varicose veins?
Varicose veins can either be symptomatic or asymptomatic. When the veins are asymptomatic, meaning you have no pain, swellings, or skin changes, your doctor might not recommend treatment unless you need to eliminate the veins for aesthetic concerns. Unfortunately, asymptomatic varicose veins advance over time, becoming symptomatic. Progressive varicose veins might need medical attention to prevent them from worsening. Your risk of developing pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis is high with varicose veins.
Deep vein thrombosis happens when blood clots start forming in any of your deep veins. Though DVT may result in pain or swelling, sometimes you might not have any symptoms. In an unfortunate instance that the clot disintegrates and travels to your lungs, you will need immediate medical attention. Pulmonary embolism may result in shortness of breath and chest pains.
Untreated varicose veins may also result in peripheral artery disease. PAD occurs when your veins are unable to supply your limbs with enough blood. When PAD spreads to various parts of your body, it may affect your vital parts, including your heart and brain.
What symptoms should you not ignore with varicose veins?
While asymptomatic varicose veins may not pose health risks, you should consult your healthcare provider to know if they need professional attention. Failure to contact your doctor for an evaluation might lead to severe conditions. Therefore, worrying symptoms you should look out for when you have varicose veins include:
- Unrelenting severe pain
- A dull ache that occurs often
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, and legs
- Swollen and painful veins
- Spontaneous bleeding or bleeding from a slight injury
- Inflammation around the affected veins
- Open wounds that develop on their own
What should you do to minimize your risks?
While some complications you might have with varicose are less worrying, others may be fatal. Therefore, it is vital to go for a noninvasive test vein health screening. Additionally, to keep blood flowing through your varicose veins, your healthcare provider might suggest moderate exercises like swimming, cycling, and running. The medical professional might also expect you to maintain a healthy weight, wear compression socks during the day or elevate your legs after walking or standing for extended hours to enhance blood flow.
Though varicose veins may appear harmless, they might advance into severe vein ailments over time. Schedule a test vein with your doctor to prevent the veins from developing into complex health concerns.
