How Varicose Veins May Be More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern

If you’re tired of looking down at your legs and feet only to see bulging, twisted veins staring back at you, you’re not alone. Yet, while varicose veins might leave you self-conscious about your skin, they shouldn’t be dismissed as merely a cosmetic issue. If you’ve ever experienced aching legs or a feeling of heaviness after standing, you know that the discomfort can go far beyond appearance.

In reality, varicose veins can indicate underlying vascular issues, which shouldn’t be left untreated. Understanding the causes, risks, and varicose veins treatment options is the first step toward better vein health and overall cardiovascular wellness.

Varicose Veins Causes and Risk Factors

Varicose veins develop when the valves inside veins become weak or damaged. This allows blood to pool in the legs instead of flowing back up to the heart. When blood pools, the veins appear swollen, bulging, or twisted.

Several factors can increase your risk for varicose veins, including:

• Aging: Your vein valves weaken with time as part of the natural aging process
• Genetics: A family history of varicose veins can raise your risk
• Changing hormone levels: Pregnancy, menopause, and taking birth control pills can allow the vein walls to stretch
• Activity levels: If you sit or stand for long periods, it can take a toll on your circulation
• Smoking: Using tobacco products can damage your veins
• Carrying excess body weight: Too many pounds put extra pressure on your blood vessels
• Certain medical conditions: A history of chronic venous insufficiency, blood clots, or injury to the legs also puts you at a higher risk

If you have one or more of these varicose veins risk factors, keep an eye out for symptoms and look for a varicose vein specialist near you so you can get an accurate diagnosis. 

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous? What Untreated Varicose Veins Can Lead To

So, how dangerous are varicose veins? While it’s true they’re not always an urgent medical issue, they can interfere with daily life. Even worse, they can eventually lead to problems deeper within the circulatory system.

Common untreated varicose vein symptoms include:

• Chronic leg pain, soreness, and swelling
• Skin changes, such as discoloration, itching, or hardening
• Twisted, bulging veins near the surface of the skin on your feet, ankles, and legs
• Venous ulcers, or painful sores caused by poor blood flow

But that’s not all. Along with these uncomfortable symptoms come potentially dangerous varicose veins complications, such as:

• Superficial thrombophlebitis: This is when a blood clot develops in a surface vein, often accompanied by inflammation and pain
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This potentially life-threatening condition occurs when clots form in deeper veins
• Pulmonary embolism: A pulmonary embolism is when a blood clot (often from DVT) reaches your lung, cutting off blood flow

Without early intervention, varicose veins and blood clots often go hand in hand, making it vital that you get the care you need.

How to Treat Varicose Veins

When it comes to varicose veins treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best treatments for varicose veins depend on your symptoms, your vein condition, and overall health. When you see a varicose vein specialist, they may recommend a mix of the following approaches.

Lifestyle Changes

Before considering medical procedures, small shifts in daily habits can go a long way in helping to diminish the appearance of varicose veins while offering relief from symptoms. A doctor may suggest:

• Elevating the legs to improve circulation
• Wearing compression stockings to stop your veins from stretching
• Getting regular physical activity to boost blood flow
• Maintaining a healthy weight to lessen the pressure on your veins

These changes can help manage early symptoms and slow the progression of more serious vein issues.

Sclerotherapy

A tried-and-true method, sclerotherapy is when a doctor injects a solution into varicose veins to seal them off, causing them to collapse and fade. It’s a quick procedure that doesn’t require any downtime. In fact, a doctor can perform it right in their office. 

Endovenous Thermal Ablation (EVTA)

For larger or more advanced vein issues, endovenous thermal ablation is a minimally invasive solution. EVTA uses laser or radiofrequency energy to close off the damaged vein so blood can reroute through healthier veins. It’s a safe and effective outpatient treatment with minimal recovery time.

Better Circulation Begins with Specialized Vein Care in Central Florida

Whether you’re dealing with uncomfortable symptoms or want to prevent future complications, taking varicose veins seriously is important. At the Cardiovascular Center of Florida, our specialists offer the best treatments for varicose veins, from lifestyle guidance to advanced procedures like EVTA.

Don’t wait until vein pain disrupts your day. If you’re searching for a cardiovascular clinic near you that puts patient comfort and results first, look no further. Schedule a consultation with one of our vascular specialists and begin life’s next chapter with healthier, pain-free legs.