When Should You Start Worrying About Varicose Veins?

Throughout our lives, we have become accustomed to seeing and discussing certain veins, like the one in our upper forearm, frequently used for IV taps. However, what about those clusters that have recently appeared on your legs? Are those varicose veins and something to be worried about?

Varicose Veins

Varicose means swollen or unusually dilated. These veins are visible and swollen, often blue or purple. Their presence is the marker of damage or weakness in the veins, disrupting the natural flow of blood.

The main function of a vein is to transport blood back to the heart, and it has tiny valves to prevent backflow. When these valves fail to do their job, blood pools in the veins, causing them to enlarge, bulge, and twist.

Usually, varicose veins are not something to be worried about; however, contact a doctor if they look severely thick and are painful.

Are Spider Veins Different from Varicose Veins?

Spider veins are those small lines, clearly visible on your skin’s surface, appearing to be red, blue, or purple. Although these structures are deemed harmless, they still serve as indicators of poor circulation and a potential risk for developing varicose veins.

You must remember that while not all spider veins progress into varicose, many individuals opt for their removal as a preventive measure.

Root Causes of Varicose Veins

The circulatory system is the continuous blood movement through the body via veins and arteries. Varicose veins come into play when valves in the veins fail to efficiently return blood to the heart, resulting in pooling and expansion in size.

Usually, those occupations that demand prolonged periods of standing, people dealing with hormonal fluctuations (particularly in women), and a genetic predisposition are significant contributors to the development of varicose veins.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Varicose veins start off as a superficial concern, but as time passes, they evolve into a more serious issue. Early-stage varicose veins are prone to bleeding if accidentally cut. Unfortunately, leaving them as it is can lead to various symptoms, including leg heaviness, fatigue, swelling, pain, bleeding, and skin discoloration.

Treatments

The good news is that varicose veins are not life-threatening. However, they may still significantly impact your daily life. If any of the symptoms mentioned above make your day miserable, it is crucial to seek proper attention. You can get in touch with Dr. Rajesh Ramineni, MD, FACC, FSCAI, a 5-star rated cardiologist in The Woodlands, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the field of Echocardiography, with advanced training in Interventional Cardiology and Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant Cardiology, for help in this regard.

One of the treatment options includes using compression stockings designed to apply pressure to the veins. They are effective in managing early-stage varicose veins and help prevent further progression. However, in case of severe pain, ablation is the right way to go.

During ablation, the doctors utilize heat, lasers, or a specialized glue to block the problematic vein segment, redirecting blood flow. You must note that ablation is not a major surgery, easily doable as an outpatient procedure too.

Closing Note

While varicose veins are not an immediate threat, their progression can lead to discomfort and complications over time. If you have more questions, contact Healthy Living Heart and Vein. We are here at your disposal. Our expert team can help you with the latest tools and determine which treatment is suitable for you. Do not hesitate to call us at (936) 978-0466 to schedule an appointment. Your health is our priority, and we are ready to assist you in every way possible.