Have you ever seen someone with large and discolored veins on their legs? If so, they probably were living with varicose veins. While they may seem like just an eyesore, they can be a sign of a more significant underlying problem.
If you’re worried about varicose veins, the experienced Carolina Vein Institute team offers tips and treatments to help. Dr. Luan Tran and Dr. Rousu An provide endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation to eliminate unsightly varicose veins.
Varicose veins are essentially large, twisted, and discolored veins that appear under the skin. Although they can happen anywhere, they’re most common in the calves, feet, and ankles.
Varicose veins are extremely common, and for most people, they are a cosmetic problem. They happen when the valves within the leg veins weaken along with the vein itself.
As the vein weakens, the blood pressure causes it to expand. When the valves also weaken, they prevent the blood from flowing properly, allowing it to pool within the vein. The result is blue, purple, or dark-colored veins that appear large and twisted under the skin.
Although varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue for many people, they can lead to dangerous consequences without treatment. They sometimes indicate an underlying vein issue, but can also cause serious health issues, which include:
Long-term swelling from severe varicose veins can lead to venous ulcers. They’re especially prevalent around the ankles and are difficult to heal properly.
Superficial thrombophlebitis is a consequence of untreated varicose veins. They often cause pain and inflammation around the affected vein.
A pulmonary embolism happens when a clot forms in a varicose or normal vein and breaks off. It goes into the lungs, causing a blockage that is life-threatening.
The pressure from varicose veins can lead to skin breakdown and bleeding that requires immediate treatment and pressure.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a clot forms deeper in a vein. If a DVT breaks off, it can be life-threatening if it goes into the lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism.
Not all varicose veins signal a medical problem, but it’s important to know the signs of an issue. Whether you’re simply bothered by their appearance or are worried about a health issue, it’s essential to seek treatment if you have:
All of these symptoms could signal another underlying problem that’s larger than varicose veins. We assess your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment and if other diagnostic testing should be done beforehand.
Contact us now at one of our North Carolina offices or visit our website to book your varicose vein consultation and begin treatment right away.
