Varicose veins can be more than just a cosmetic problem. They can also cause pain and discomfort. The pain is usually worse when standing or walking for long periods. You may also feel pain when the veins are enlarged and swollen. If you have varicose veins, it’s important to protect your legs and feet. If you don’t, you may develop serious complications; At South Florida Vascular Associates, you will meet the best varicose veins specialists that will take care of you.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, twisted veins. They usually occur in the legs and feet. This happens when the valves in the veins stop working properly. The valves are supposed to keep blood flowing from the legs back up to the heart. But when they don’t work right, blood can leak back down and pool in the veins.
Some of the signs of varicose veins include:
- Aching or heavy feeling in the legs
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- Cramping, itching, or burning sensation in the legs
- Worsening pain after sitting or standing for long periods
- Skin ulcers near the ankle
Below are some of the dangers if you leave your varicose veins untreated:
Ulcers
When blood pools in your veins, it increases the pressure in the vessels. This can cause inflammation and damage the skin and tissue surrounding the veins. Over time, this can lead to the formation of ulcers, which are open sores that won’t heal. The open sores are susceptible to infection, which can be serious.
Blood Clots
Varicose veins can also cause blood clots to form in the vessels. If a clot breaks free and travels to your lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, potentially life-threatening. You must understand that if you have varicose veins and are not taking measures to care for them, you’re at risk for serious health complications.
Skin Damage
The constant blood pooling in your veins can also cause the skin around the veins to stretch and thin. This makes the skin more susceptible to rashes, itching, and even ulcers. In extreme cases, the skin can rupture, leading to severe bleeding.
Infection
If you have varicose veins and don’t take measures to protect your legs and feet, you’re at risk of developing a serious infection. This is because blood pooling in the veins can create an environment ripe for bacteria to grow. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can cause a potentially life-threatening condition called sepsis.
Venous Thrombosis
If a blood clot forms in one of your varicose veins, it’s called venous thrombosis. This serious condition can lead to pain, swelling, and even ulcers. If the clot breaks free and travels to your lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition.
Complications during Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and have varicose veins, you’re at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a blood clot that forms in the veins of your legs. Every pregnant woman is at risk for DVT, but the condition is more common in those with varicose veins.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you must seek medical help as soon as possible.
