Getting varicose veins, with their twisted, enlarged appearance, can make you concerned about the appearance of your legs. However, they can also cause painful symptoms and develop into more serious health conditions.
If you have varicose veins, it’s important to have them evaluated and regularly monitored by our specialists at Premier Vein & Vascular in Tampa and Largo, Florida to ensure you receive timely treatment if necessary. Board-certified interventional cardiologist Saleem Saiyad, MD, FACC explains the complications that can arise from varicose veins and the treatment options available.
Varicose veins start out as regular veins and become varicosed when they twist and become enlarged. Most commonly, you develop varicose veins in your legs from the daily stress of walking.
Your varicose veins typically appear visibly blue or dark purple through your skin and take on a twisted, sometimes bulging appearance. Your odds of getting varicose veins increase as you age. Women, people with a family history of varicose veins, and people who regularly sit or stand for prolonged periods are most prone to getting varicose veins.
Aside from the aesthetic concerns, varicose veins can also cause physical discomfort. Some of the most common medical symptoms that occur from varicose veins include:
Without treatment, varicose veins are at risk of developing the following complications.
Enlarged varicose veins occasionally develop blood clots. If you have a varicose vein that’s started to swell or feel painful, contact Premier Vein & Vascular, as those are signs your vein could have a potentially dangerous blood clot.
You can get ulcers on your skin in areas near any varicose veins, especially commonly in your ankle area. Make an appointment with Dr. Saiyad if you notice a discolored spot near your varicose vein, which can be a symptom of a skin ulcer.
Your varicose veins can occasionally burst, which leads to bleeding in the veins. This is usually a small amount of blood, but it’s important to get any internal bleeding you experience medically assessed.
To help with the medical and cosmetic challenges varicose veins can bring, Dr. Saiyad recommends a number of minimally invasive treatments. Lifestyle changes that can help include wearing compression stockings, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, watching your weight, minimizing long periods of standing or sitting, and elevating your legs when sitting.
Venous ablation and microphlebectomy or sclerotherapy are minimally invasive procedures that can also treat varicose veins. These treatments remove your varicose vein using minimally invasive measures.
If you have varicose veins, contact Premier Vein & Vascular for a personalized treatment plan that resolves your concerns. Request a complimentary initial consultation online or over the phone at either our Tampa or Largo office.
