Varicose veins affect more than 30 million adults in the United States, making them very common. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with varicose veins, but men can get them too. For most people, varicose veins are painless and not dangerous. However, they could lead to significant and potentially life-threatening health problems for some. Learning more about varicose veins and knowing the signs and symptoms can help you stay healthy, active and pain-free.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Veins move blood toward the heart, using small valves inside them to keep the flow from moving backward. If these valves are damaged, weak or don’t work correctly, blood can collect (or pool) in the veins, causing varicose veins. These usually appear as swollen and twisted bright blue, purple or red lines under the skin. Severe varicose veins may look like twisted ropes and often cause noticeable bulges on the skin. They’re mostly found on the outer thighs, calves or inside part of the legs near the ankles, but they can also develop on the inner thigh, around the pelvis or on the buttocks during pregnancy.
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
Anyone can get varicose veins, but there are risk factors that make developing them more likely:
- A family or personal history of varicose veins or spider veins
- Being older than 50
- Being overweight
- Having a history of blood clots in your legs
- Hormonal changes due to birth control, hormone replacement therapy or menopause
- Pregnancy
- Having a standing occupation
When Should I See a Vascular Specialist?
Unless your varicose veins are causing pain, swelling or skin changes, it can be difficult to determine when to see a physician. Varicose veins often worsen over time, so earlier evaluation may prevent progression and minimize associated risks. Varicose veins and spider veins without pain, swelling, bleeding or skin changes are usually not harmful. Many people still choose to have them treated because of the way the veins look. There are, however, some clear signs it may be time to have your veins checked.
It’s time to request an appointment with a vascular specialist if you notice:
- A feeling of heaviness in your legs
- A rash or redness on your lower leg and/or around veins
- Bleeding from or near the varicose veins or spider veins
- Changes in your skin color and texture on the lower leg
- One or more open sores on your leg, which do not heal easily
- Aching or pain in your legs or calves that intensifies after sitting or standing for a long time
- Skin on the lower leg that becomes dry, scaly, hardened, cracked or irritated
- Soreness, achiness, tenderness, tingling or throbbing in your legs
- Swelling in your legs
- Inflammation, redness, warmth or increased pain around the varicose veins.
- Symptoms that don’t improve with at-home treatments, such as elevating your legs, getting enough exercise, wearing compression stockings, and/or taking Motrin, Aleve or Tylenol
- Symptoms that limit you from doing daily activities and/or everything you love to do
Maintaining Healthy Veins and Legs
Varicose veins can’t be prevented, but the following tips can help improve blood flow, keep varicose veins from worsening, and decrease uncomfortable symptoms:
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
- Avoid tight, constricting clothing.
- Don’t cross your legs when sitting.
- If you smoke, quit.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Elevate your legs on a stool or ottoman when able.
- Wear compression stockings when sitting or standing for long periods of time, and especially when flying/traveling long distances.
There are a multitude of treatments available for medically indicated varicose veins. The best option for you will depend on the anatomy and severity of your condition, as well as other personal health factors.
Treating Varicose Veins
Available varicose vein and spider vein treatment options include:
- VNUS Closure (RF thermal ablation): Uses radiofrequency to shrink and close varicose veins.
- Venaseal: A specialized type of medical adhesive injected into varicose veins to close them.
- Varithena: A foam chemical medication injected into varicose veins to cause them to spasm and close.
- Phlebectomy: Minimally invasive surgical removal of varicose veins using tiny skin nicks and micro-instruments. No stitches, no incisions.
- Sclerotherapy: A minimally invasive treatment in which a solution is injected into the varicose veins or spider veins, causing them to shrink, close and disappear over the next several weeks.
What Will Happen If I Do Not Get My Varicose Veins Treated?
Varicose veins worsen over the years. Once the veins begin causing symptoms and/or impacting your life, it’s time to seriously consider treatment. Untreated symptomatic varicose veins increase the risk of some medical complications, such as:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A type of blood clot usually found in the leg. DVTs can break loose and travel to the lungs, heart or brain, where they can be life-threatening.
- Venous Ulcerations: Sores, blisters or wounds on the skin of the lower leg that are difficult to heal. These can cause pain and may need special care to heal and prevent infection.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of vein walls that often leads to a blood clot within the superficial vein. This type of clot does not represent the danger that a DVT does. Signs of phlebitis may include swelling, warmth, redness, and pain in and around affected veins.
If you’re dealing with painful varicose veins, Capitol Vein & Laser Centers is here for you. Our board-certified vascular surgeons, Dr. Paul McNeill and Dr. Garth Rosenberg, use the most effective, state-of-the-art treatments available. You can request an appointment online by visiting www.myCVL.com, or call us at 866-695-8346.