Varicose Veins Can be More than Just Unsightly
Posted: Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Varicose Veins Can be More than Just Unsightly
At least 20 to 25 million Americans suffer from the pain and embarrassment of varicose veins, according to the Vascular Disease Foundation. While the bulging, twisted, and enlarged varicose veins do not always cause health problems, some varicose veins cause complications requiring medical treatment. Proper evaluation and varicose vein treatment reduces the risk for these complications by shrinking enlarged veins and improving circulation.
Oxygen-poor blood flows from the feet to the heart, then travels to the lungs where it trades waste products for fresh oxygen. Normally, the elasticity of veins and contractions of the calf muscles help fight the forces of gravity by pushing blood back up the legs. Valves in the veins prevent blood from flowing backwards. In time, however, those valves can grow weak and veins can become less elastic in places. Unable to resist the constant force of gravity, affected veins grow large, twisted, painful and unsightly.
Complications of Varicose Veins
Although rare, complications from varicose veins can occur. Poor vein circulation leads to increased blood pressure in the lower extremities; this increased blood pressure prevents fluids from entering the veins, so these fluids build up in the feet, ankles, and calves. Long-term fluid buildup may cause ulcers, or the loss of patches of skin, to appear near varicose veins. These ulcers may be painful and are easily infected.
Aching, itching, cramping, and eczema are some of the first signs that an ulcer might appear. A discolored spot often forms on the skin before an ulcer appears. Immediately consult with a qualified vein surgeon if you see discoloration or signs of an ulcer near a varicose vein; prompt treatment may prevent ulcers from forming. Because of the poor circulation associated with varicose veins, ulcers may take a long time to heal and could cause long-term damage to skin.
Normally, veins on the surface of the skin are vulnerable to becoming varicose but veins lying deep within muscle tissue can also become enlarged. These deep varicose veins may cause considerable swelling and pain. Swelling may also indicate the development of a blood clot, known as thrombophlebitis, which increases the risk for serious health problems. If dislodged, a blood clot can travel to the lungs and block the pulmonary artery.
About 90 percent of people who have varicose veins visible on the surface have invisible problems with underlying veins. Treating just the surface issue without addressing the primary problem increases the risk varicose veins will reappear or develop into a more serious medical problem. A qualified vein clinic combines a thorough evaluation with ultrasound to ensure an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate course of varicose vein treatment.
Treatments for varicose veins include lifestyle changes and, sometimes, medical procedures. Lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, keeping the legs raised while sleeping, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tight clothing and high heels keeps varicose veins from developing, becoming painful, and getting worse. Medical treatments either remove varicose veins or close them so that the body reroutes blood through other, stronger veins.
Vascular surgeons understand the complexities of varicose veins, from the most harmless spider veins to the deepest thrombophlebitis. Contact a Michigan Vein Treatment center near you to learn more about how to prevent your varicose veins from developing into more than just an unsightly problem.