Is Varicose Veins Harmful?

Varicose veins are quite common, with several million people in India and throughout the world being affected by venous reflux, which is one of the main varicose veins causes. Most people notice that they have varicose veins when the latter stick out or bulge. Many who suffer from varicose veins do not know whether these should be treated.

The main question that most people ask is: Are varicose veins dangerous? For most people, the answer is “No”. While varicose veins symptoms include pain, itching, tenderness, and aching, these symptoms tend not to be life-threatening. However, a small percentage of people may suffer from some of the dangerous complications of varicose veins.

Risk factors for varicose veins

You are more likely to suffer from varicose veins if you have the following risk factors:

•         A family history of varicose veins
•         Obesity
•         Pregnancy
•         Prolonged standing or sitting
•         Obesity
•         Hormone replacement therapy or hormonal changes in women

When and how do varicose veins become dangerous?

While most people do not develop serious problems due to varicose veins, complications can occur. Some of them are:

•         Blood clots also called Thrombophlebitis
•         Bleeding close to the skin
•         Ulcers that occur on the skin close to the varicose veins

Research also suggests that some people with varicose veins are at an increased risk for:

•         Bursting veins: This is external bleeding, which occurs when bulging veins are bumped against a blunt object or punctured with a sharp object. Sometimes, your varicose veins can bleed spontaneously without any apparent trauma to the area. Spontaneous bleeding can also occur when you are in the shower. Due to the hot water, the varicose veins bulge and dilate. The increased pressure on the vein then causes it to burst and rupture.

If you suffer from bleeding from a varicose vein, you should apply pressure on the bleeding site with your finger for at least 5 to 10 minutes till the bleeding stops. You should seek medical attention as bleeding can occur again. Your vascular surgeon may apply a suture or glue to control the bleeding. In some cases, a pressure bandage may be applied.

 

•         Blood clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Most blood clots that develop in varicose veins are superficial and not limb or life-threatening. If a blood clot has developed, that varicose vein will be red, firm, warm, and tender. This is due to tissue inflammation, which is the body’s reaction to the superficial blood clot. These superficial blood clots are called superficial thrombophlebitis or simply phlebitis. A small percentage of people will develop blood clots in the deeper veins of their legs, and this condition is called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This occurs if the superficial blood clot extends into a deep vein and in people with a tendency to easy clot formation. Your vascular surgeon may suggest an ultrasound scan to determine whether you have blood clots in your deep veins.

 

Symptoms you should look out for if you have varicose veins

Most often, varicose veins are not a cause for concern and besides their outward appearance they may present with the following symptoms:

•         Aching or throbbing in the area of the varicose vein
•         Itching and burning around the vein
•         Irritated and dry skin
•         leg fatigue and heaviness
•         Cramping of muscles
•         Pain caused due to prolonged sitting or standing

If you suffer from the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor right away:

•         Darker patches of skin
•         Sores and ulcers
•         Painful veins that feel hot
•         Persistent swelling and pain

 

If you have varicose veins, it is important to consult the right vascular surgeon for treatment before they become dangerous. While wearing compression stockings and engaging in a moderate exercise routine may help, extremely effective treatment for varicose veins is Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT).

Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala, of the Flow Vascular Clinic, located in Hyderabad, India, is an expert in treating varicose veins. He has performed the EVLT procedure on thousands of patients with great success. This procedure is perfect for getting rid of varicose veins, is minimally invasive, and patients can resume their daily activities on the same day.

Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala is not only an extremely gifted vascular specialist, but he is also an extremely empathetic person. He will listen to you carefully right from the first consult and will recommend the right treatment for your varicose veins. He will treat you holistically and never as just another case.

So, if you have varicose veins that are troubling and need to consult the right doctor, look no further than Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala, and be relieved of your varicose veins as quickly and painlessly as possible!

For more information about the dangers and treatment for varicose veins, as well as the treatment for DVT, or other vascular conditions, contact Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala at (+91) 9989649498 or 9959033037, or at [email protected] or visit our website at www.drabhilash.com