You may have varicose veins but typically, these may not be harmful or something to worry about. You may not like the look of them and may want to remove them for aesthetic purposes. However, in a few patients, varicose veins may be a warning sign of deeper health issues, with varicose veins being dangerous. It is important to know when to worry about varicose veins, which is what we’ll talk about in this article.
Signs that you need to worry about varicose veins
In certain instances, not treating your varicose veins can result in certain serious health conditions. Here are some signs and symptoms that indicate that you need to consult your vascular surgeon for treating your varicose veins:
· Continuous and severe leg pain
· Persistent swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet
· Heaviness and a dull ache in the leg that happens frequently
· Varicose veins that are red, warm, and painful
· Spontaneous bleeding from the varicose veins
· Bleeding from a slight injury
· Inflamed and itchy skin around the varicose veins
· Open skin wounds and ulcers that developed on their own
If you do not consult your vascular surgeon regularly, varicose veins can develop into a vein disease or ailment over many years. These more complex health issues can take several years to form, so regular screening of your varicose veins is a must.
Serious health conditions that can develop if varicose veins are left untreated
Some of the serious health conditions that can occur if you do not treat your varicose veins are:
1) Muscle cramps: Cramping occurs when blood pools in the vein instead of flowing back to the heart. These leg cramps happen, especially at night.
2) Severe pain: This can be felt as a deep ache or a heaviness in the limbs.
3) Itching and burning: Veins that leak can cause itching. When very little oxygen reaches the skin, veins become itchy and red.
4) Blood clots: This is also known as phlebitis. Blood clots can occur when the varicose veins become twisted and blood does not flow fast enough through the veins. Slow-moving blood forms clots because it is stagnant.
5) Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):This affects a sizeable number of people each year, many of whom have varicose veins. Pain in the legs due to DVT can worsen as you bend your foot.
6) Skin ulcers: A varicose ulcer can occur when blood does not circulate back to the heart effectively. When this blood pools back into the veins, pressure builds under the skin, resulting in an open wound. Leg ulcers are quite common.
7) Pulmonary embolism (PE): This is a serious condition that occurs when the lung artery is blocked. This blockage takes place when a blood clot travels through the bloodstream into the lung. A pulmonary embolism causes permanent lung damage.
8) Lymphedema: Sometimes, varicose veins damage the lymphatic system, resulting in lymphedema. This causes swelling of the legs and the toes.
9) Cellulitis: This may follow lymphedema and is a serious skin infection of the soft tissue.
10) Venous stasis dermatitis: If varicose veins are left untreated, they may result in the skin them becoming reddish-brown and leathery. In certain instances, yellow or clear fluid comes out through the skin.
11) Dermatitis: This is often found on the ankle or leg and is an inflamed, itchy rash due to varicose veins.
12) Peripheral artery disease (PAD): When this occurs, the veins are not able to provide enough blood to the limbs. This condition then spreads throughout the body and can affect the brain and the heart as well.
Tips for vein health
If you have chronic varicose veins, not only should you consult your vascular surgeon for regular screenings and treatment, but you can also follow certain tips to prevent your veins from becoming worse and to prevent developing additional varicose veins. Some of these tips are:
· If you are sedentary, make sure you get up every 30 minutes and move around.
· Try not to be inactive and not to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
· Make sure you elevate your legs above your heart.
· Use the arms of a chair or a pillow to support and elevate your legs.
· Get regular exercise to get your blood flowing towards your heart and preventing pooling of blood in your veins.
· Combat obesity by eating a healthy diet and trying to lose weight.
· Wear compression stockings when traveling on long trips or when sitting or standing for long periods of time.
If you suffer from chronic varicose veins, it is imperative that you consult the right vascular surgeon. One such high-skilled vascular surgeon and interventional radiologist is Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala. He is of the Flow Vascular Clinic, based in Hyderabad, India.
He has successfully treated several thousands of patients who are suffering from varicose veins of varying severity. However, he does not deal with patients simply as cases, but in the most holistic and empathetic way possible. He also uses Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) to treat varicose veins of varying severity and provides effective varicose veins pain relief.
This treatment uses laser energy to seal the faulty vein and redirects the blood flow to healthy veins. The entire process is minimally invasive and only takes an hour. Dr. Sandhyala has used EVLT to treat thousands of patients and has relieved them of their pain and symptoms.
So, if you have varicose veins that are severe and are causing you to suffer from several severe and debilitating symptoms, do consult with Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala and experience optimal comfort and care right from the very start of the consultation and treatment. You will come away very satisfied with your treatment and with the result!
For more information about treating severe varicose veins, as well as the treatment for DVT, or other vascular conditions, contact Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala at (+91) 9989649498 or 9959033037, or at contact@drabhilash.com or visit our website at www.drabhilash.com