Do you think varicose veins are a cosmetic issue? Then you might need to reconsider your thoughts. These bulgy blue veins and leg swelling may indicate a serious condition and can affect your wellbeing.
Table of Contents
What is meant by varicose veins?
As a result of blood being dragged down because the veins are no longer receiving blood flow, varicose veins develop. Additionally, it results in the uncomfortable and high blood pressure in the leg or foot veins to increase.
Varicose veins often make it harder for a person to perform daily tasks like standing and walking, and individuals who have a tendency of standing for extended periods of time, those who struggle with weight, pregnant women, or those with genetic problems are more likely to develop them.
What might be the possible reasons for varicose veins?
Veins play an important role in the human body’s circulatory system. Their major role is to circulate the blood from all parts of the body and the blood is recirculated. The veins that are present in the legs need to work against gravity to circulate the blood from the legs to the heart.
When these veins in the legs are weakened or damaged the blood gets stuck in the veins and may not travel back leading to varicose veins. Varicose veins can be hereditary and can be passed on through generations.
What can follow if varicose veins are ignored?
As mentioned varicose veins can cause blood circulation difficult and leg swelling may be quite evident. But when varicose veins are ignored for a long time it can lead to various conditions like,
Blood clots:
The varicose veins may lead to the blood clots or blockages of the blood flowing to the legs can get blocked. And this is one of the most serious complications of the varicose veins.
Decline in skin quality:
Long swelling can damage the skin quality significantly over time. When varicose veins occur the area may not receive sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients that help in natural healing. This can make the injuries in the area heal slowly damaging the overall skin.
Ulcers in the skin:
In case of varicose veins, few of the vessels may receive large amounts of blood and a few affected vessels may receive less amount, leading to the irritation and inflammation of the ends of the blood vessels. And skin ulcers are formed ultimately.
Bleeding:
Varicose veins occur to the veins in the most superficial layer so they are not deep rooted. When you experience even a simple scratch or a minor injury you can bleed easily and healing of the wound may also take a long time. Reach out to a varicose vein specialist in case you are experiencing varicose veins or any bleeding due to this condition.
Infections of the skin:
When a person is affected by varicose veins, their tissues and blood vessels are stretched to the maximum potential and there can be severe leg swelling. This can open the doors for infections. The human body has various microorganisms, when the vessels and tissues are stretched the microorganisms can enter the blood flow leading to a condition called cellulitis. Immediate treatment is required for this condition to avoid any major complications.
Thrombophlebitis:
In a varicose vein, blood clots are more prone to occur. Varicose vein sufferers are up to 3% more likely to experience blood clots. The vein may harden, and the area becomes sore and heated to the touch.
Deep vein thrombosis:
About 25% of individuals with varicose veins will occasionally develop blood clots in deeper veins. Deep vein thrombosis is a dangerous illness that needs to be treated right away. The leg may be painful, heated, red, and swollen. The main danger is that some or all of the blood clot could separate and travel to the lungs, where it could result in pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition.
Affect varicose veins on mental health:
In addition to the physical difficulties associated with having varicose veins, there is a significant emotional component. People frequently conceal varicose veins because of their wormlike and tortuous surface appearance and also the leg swelling. This typically presents a considerable difficulty during the summer, when wearing shorts or a dress, being asked to the beach with friends, or even just lounging in the sun at the park increases anxiety and the fear of judgment. When everyone else is maximizing social interactions, fear frequently causes people to limit them.
What are the different varicose vein therapy options?
Sclerotherapy:
This method eliminates the mild case of still developing varicose veins by carefully injecting a solution into the affected veins, which gradually causes the veins to collapse.
Microphlebectomy:
A microphlebectomy is a safe outpatient surgical procedure that treats moderate to severely dilated or mature varicose veins, similar to how sclerotherapy treats small-sized varicose veins.
Ablation:
The affected blood vessels are surgically removed in a shorter amount of time, and this treatment can be readily carried out in either of the two highly effective ways: standard surgery or advanced surgery.
Important Takeaway:
Consult your doctor if you are affected by varicose veins that are bothering you. Please reach out to a vascular surgeon right away if you have a painful, red, or warm to the touch leg or a visible leg swelling. Keep in mind that there is a chance that you can repair your varicose veins without surgery. There are now minimally invasive surgical alternatives that might work well for you.