Varicose veins are superficial veins that become enlarged and swollen due to poor blood circulation. They can appear anywhere on the body but mostly affect the legs and feet. They may appear twisted, lumpy, and bluish leading to pain and discomfort in the affected areas. Varicose veins can be treated but may reoccur if proper management measures are not considered. To prevent varicose veins from worsening, begin an early treatment plan from some of the most popular varicose veins El Paso clinics that provide minimally invasive treatment options. Learn more about varicose veins, their effects, and how they can be treated.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins develop when there is an increase in blood pressure in the superficial veins. As a result, these veins become weakened and damaged, causing varicose veins to form. Increased blood pressure or poor blood circulation can be caused by lack of physical movement, being overweight, smoking, pregnancy, etc. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to other complicated health issues, particularly circulatory issues.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Varicose veins are noticeable since they appear as bluish or purplish twisted cords on the skin surface. Below are some common varicose veins symptoms to look out for.
- Heavy and achy feeling on legs
- Leg swelling
- Itchiness around the affected skin surface
- Muscle cramps, particularly at night
- Leg pain when sitting or standing for long periods
The above-listed symptoms might vary among individuals with varicose veins, while others might not even show any symptoms.
What other complications can arise due to varicose veins?
It would be best if you did not overlook your varicose vein condition, especially when you begin to experience the symptoms mentioned above. Below are other serious, complicated issues that might arise from untreated varicose veins.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Due to blood building up in the veins, you might be at risk of developing blood clots in the deeper veins in the body, causing DVT. When the blood clots travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, it can lead to a fatal condition known as pulmonary embolism.
- Venous Skin Ulcer
Venous skin ulcers are open skin sores that develop when a vein has broken through the skin. It can result from too much itching caused by the varicose veins. If your varicose veins condition progresses, it can cause the open sores to become infected.
III. Skin discoloration
Blood building up in the veins can lead to more iron deposited on the underlying soft tissues of the skin, leading to skin discoloration. The discoloration may become permanent and lead to skin breaks or infections.
How can varicose veins be treated?
The most common varicose veins treatment is making several lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, elevating legs while seated, and wearing compression stockings.
Other surgical varicose veins treatments include the VenaSeal procedure, radiofrequency ablation, and sclerotherapy. The radiofrequency ablation and the VenaSeal procedures are pretty similar. However, the latter uses adhesive treatments while the former uses a catheter and high-frequency radio waves to close off the affected veins.
The sclerotherapy treatment involves injecting the varicose veins with a special solution that gradually allows the veins to fade away.
Do not struggle or ignore your varicose veins condition when you can quickly get simple and minimally invasive treatments from Desert West Vein & Surgery Center. You can manage your varicose symptoms and revert to everyday life through a group of professional and experienced specialists at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center. Call their offices today through their contact number or request an appointment online.