If you have varicose veins, don’t ignore them. Well, they’re not very easy to ignore anyway. For one, they’re large and unsightly, and second, they can be extremely painful. It’s hard to ignore large, swollen, painful, protruding veins on your legs! Varicose veins shouldn’t be accepted. Sure, you’re more prone to developing this venous condition as you age, but it should be treated. Varicose veins are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If you ignore the signs of venous insufficiency, a more serious condition or complication could develop.
Varicose veins can worsen over time. A person can experience achy legs, swelling, and skin changes due to this venous disease. Not only will these symptoms develop and worsen, but entirely new conditions may emerge, including:
Skin ulcers – Ulcers are red and tender and hurt to touch; they will usually appear around the ankle, and are difficult to heal. An ulcer is the result of the skin breaking down.
Cellulitis – This is a bacterial infection of the superficial and deeper layers of the skin. This infection occurs from poor blood flow in the legs and feet.
Stasis Dermatitis – This is skin inflammation caused by damage to the veins and reduction in blood flow. Stasis dermatitis resembles a rash (red, purple or brown).
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) – This occurs when a blood clot travels into the lungs and blocks the arteries.
External bleeding – External bleeding from the varicose veins can occur when the condition worsens.
As you can see, varicose veins and venous insufficiencies are more than just a cosmetic issue. Even if you have experienced the “worst” type of symptoms, these conditions should be monitored and treated early by a vein specialist, so you don’t find yourself suffering from something much worse. Venous insufficiency is a medical condition and should not be treated as a cosmetic condition only. Early detection and treatment will help reduce long-term consequences and complications (listed above).
Experiencing painful and/or swollen legs? Don’t ignore these pains! Have a vein specialist examine your legs and listen to your symptoms. Dr. Peter Mikhail is a vein specialist based in New Port Richey, Florida. He also treats patients in the Tampa and Clearwater areas. If you would like to book a consult, click here or call 727-312-4844.
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