Varicose Veins Can Lead to Health Problems!
Although varicose veins and spider veins can certainly be cosmetic issues that greatly impact your life and self-image, they may also pose a number of medical concerns associated with underlying vein issues. By understanding the risks and factors that contribute to vein disease, you can be better prepared to take preventative measures towards vein disease.
Although there may be certain factors you simply cannot avoid-including genetics, age, and gender- there are many preventative measures you can take to decrease your risk for damage, disease, and unwanted symptoms.
Varicose veins: Not just a cosmetic issue
The protruding and bulging veins that you can see peeping or can feel right through your skin are known as varicose veins. They are commonly found on legs and are a very common occurrence.
Believe it or not, more than 30% of the population deals with varicose veins.
While spider veins, which are often the milder version of this condition are mostly a cosmetic issue, varicose veins are more serious in their presentation.
Varicose veins can often lead to multiple serious health problems.
Let us begin by understanding how varicose veins develop.
Varicose veins occur when vein valves (that are designed to be one way) have problems leading to leakage, backflow and accumulation of blood.
Sometimes, the reason may also be weak vein walls that are unable to manage the pressure of blood flow.
While many people think of it as a cosmetic problem, those dealing with it understand how varicose veins affect the quality of life and lead to multiple health problems.
Health problems caused by varicose veins
Following are some of the critical health concerns that may come up after having untreated varicose veins:
1. Swelling of legs
When vein walls become weak and are unable to take the pressure of the blood, fluids can often leak and fill up surrounding tissues leading to swellings.
Sometimes, small areas of the skin may end up leaking fluid (clear or yellowish). Long term results may include hardening of skin or changes in the colour.
2. Skin ulcers
As mentioned earlier, varicose veins can cause permanent skin changes. As a result, the skin tissues do not get adequate flow of oxygen and nutrients essential for a normal development.
If a wound happens on skin in these areas, the healing process is extremely slow or inefficient. This constant pressure on the skin tissue can sometimes cause painful ulcers that never heal.
3. Bleeding
Due to accumulated blood pools, varicose veins hold large blood quantities. In the event of any injury, this may result in a significant amount of blood loss.
4. Thrombophlebitis and Thrombosis
A significant percentage of people suffering from varicose vein problems develop blood clots which are painful to touch.
Amongst these people, a significant percentage develop deep vein thrombosis. These are clots that develop in deeper veins. When this occurs, it is considered as a serious medical issue that requires immediate treatment.
This is because clots in deeper veins have a risk of moving to the lungs and causing life threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism.
5. Skin infection
Constant swelling of skin tissue makes it prone to multiple infections. In many instances, it has been noted that skin bacteria get inside the skin in these areas causing infections like cellulitis.
Preventive measures for varicose veins
Following measures can be adapted to prevent varicose veins from developing or the condition to progress.
- Sitting for a long period of time can be a major risk factor! So get up and move around if your job requires sitting for prolonged amount of time.
- Also standing for a long period of time is not good for your vein health. Raising your legs at the end of the day can help decrease the stress in your leg veins.
- If your vein specialist diagnose you with early stages of vein disease and he/she prescribes pressure stockings, use them. The pressure stockings can help in pushing the blood back up to the heart.
- DO NOT SMOKE
- Exercise regularly: daily exercise such as walking, cycling, weightlifting, and others can improve leg strength and circulation, thereby reducing the risk of vein disease!
These lifestyle changes can play a huge role in improving your vein health and reducing your risk for vein disease, varicose veins, and spider veins. They are also a vital part of an overall healthy lifestyle that can reduce your risks for a number of other health conditions and diseases and improve your confidence. If you feel like you may need treatment for your veins there are a number of different things that can be done to help the problem. The benefit of seeking medical advice is always better than being stuck wondering if you have a problem or not.
In conclusion, if you are suffering from the terrible symptoms of vein disease in your legs, call us at (702) 430-7661. Our caring and knowledgeable staff will set you up with an appointment that suits your schedule. Our clinic is conveniently located and ready to get you on the path to healthy legs. Dr. Sassan Kaveh is passionate about helping his patients to live pain free without the constant struggle that is associated with venous insufficiency. Do not hesitate, call us today!
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430-7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
You Can Now Call Us 24/7