If you regularly have to sit or stand for long periods of time, then you are susceptible to developing varicose veins in your legs. Varicose veins appear as purple or blue raised cords on your legs, and sometimes they can appear elsewhere on your body as well.
Most people assume that varicose veins are a simple cosmetic concern. However, some cases can lead to severe complications.
Let’s talk about some of the most important things you need to know about this condition, how a vein doctor can treat it by drastically minimizing the bulging veins, and where you can go in Boca Raton for outstanding venous and circulation care.
What Are Varicose Veins?
The word “varicose” means “swollen” or “dilated,” and a vein that is near the skin’s surface can become varicose when blood begins to constantly pool abnormally in one or more areas of the vein. This occurs due to weakened vein walls and valves.
Vein valves help push blood back toward the heart for reprocessing, as the veins are very far away from the heart and need extra help in getting “used” blood to flow. Compare this to the arteries, which take blood from the heart to the various tissues and organs throughout the body – so they receive powerful pressure to push blood along every time the heartbeats.
Most varicose veins appear twisted or in clusters, just under the surface of your skin. Each individual experiences symptoms of varicose veins differently. Common symptoms include:
- Throbbing, swelling, or a muscle-cramping sensation in your leg
- Skin discoloration around the area of the varicose vein
- Itching surrounding the area with varicose veins
- Worsening pain when standing or sitting for a long time
- Leg ulcers, where a vein has punched through the skin, causing an open sore
A vein doctor can determine the severity of your varicose veins through a medical assessment and physical exam.
Who Is at Risk of Having Varicose Veins?
The exact cause of varicose veins is still unknown because people may perform the same duties while some of them develop varicose veins but others do not. However, numerous factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins. If you have a job or hobby which necessitates that you stand or walk around for long hours, you have a higher risk of having varicose veins.
Varicose veins tend to be more common among people who have family members who have this condition, so genetics is a factor. Other risk factors for varicose veins include:
- Aging
- Being overweight
- Having a relatively inactive lifestyle
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Smoking
- Leg injury
- Taking oral birth control pills
- Wearing tight undergarments
- Having a history of blood clots
- Conditions causing increased pressure in the abdomen
- Being female
When to Consult a Vein Doctor
Be sure to visit a vein doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following:
- Painful and dangerous ulcerated skin where a varicose vein has pushed through (venous hemorrhage)
- Enlargement of varicose veins
- Fluid buildup in the leg, causing a painful infection
- Pain while walking or standing
- Swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles
- A sore or tender lump developing near the veins
Your Vein Doctor Can Recommend and Provide Treatment
Treatment methods for varicose veins and spider veins (which are the flat, hair-thin versions of varicose veins) vary depending on the severity of your condition, but your options include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Physical therapy
- Medical procedures (surgical and nonsurgical)
- Compression stockings
Trusted Vein Doctor in Boca Raton
Varicose veins are unsightly and can cause pain and discomfort. If you have varicose veins, schedule a visit with Dr. Eli Levine at Advanced Heart & Vascular Institute by calling us today at (561) 235-5621. We look forward to helping you get clear, smooth skin again!
