Most commonly found on the legs, varicose veins have a characteristic swollen and twisted appearance caused by the pooling of blood resulting from failed valves in veins. They often have a blue or purple color, while their smaller cousins, called spider veins, tend to be red or blue. As many as 50% of American adults may develop some level of varicose veins. Usually, it remains only an appearance issue, but symptoms may arise for some. While it’s even less common, certain painful varicose veins may be a sign of more serious conditions. When you’re concerned with varicose or spider veins, visit us at Afzal Clinics. In addition to our wide range of medical aesthetic services, we’re also a fully qualified vein clinic, ready to help you with diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of venous conditions. How varicose veins form Veins return blood from your body to the heart and lungs for renewing its oxygen supply. Because of this role, blood movement is often fighting gravity. Pumping action from your heart is negligible by this point, so veins have a series of valves along their length. These valves prevent the reverse flow of blood. When it comes to your legs, almost all of the pumping action in your veins stems from your leg muscles as you move. If you have a job that requires long periods of time sitting or standing, you lose this pumping assistance, and backward pressure increases. Eventually, it can cause valves to fail, along with other factors like aging, gender, hormone levels, or genetics. When valves leak, pools of blood start to form, causing the swelling and twisting of varicose veins. Are varicose veins dangerous? Usually, varicose veins are a cosmetic problem. Many people never experience other symptoms, though they can appear for some. When they occur, symptoms include:
Itching of the skin around affected veins
Legs that feel heavy or aching
Skin color or texture may change
Leg pain that gets worse after extended sitting or standing
Burning or throbbing sensations in the lower legs
Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
Muscle cramps in the legs
While symptoms from varicose veins don’t always connect with a more serious vein condition, they serve as a signal that medical attention may be necessary. There are several venous conditions associated with symptomatic varicose veins. Superficial thrombophlebitis Blood clots occurring just under the skin’s surface won’t usually break free and travel to your lungs, but they can still cause sharp and severe pain originating at the vein. The vein itself could feel hard and the area around the vein can be red. Deep vein thrombosis While varicose veins that you see are close to the surface, deep veins can be varicose too. Clots can form, causing leg pain and swelling. Pulmonary embolism The most dangerous potential condition associated with varicose veins is a pulmonary embolism. This happens when a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs. It causes chest pain and shortness of breath, and it’s a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. The time to take action on varicose veins is now. If your problem is cosmetic, Afzal Clinics has a range of services to restore even skin tone, some of which eliminate symptoms too. We can also diagnose and treat more serious complications. Book online or call the nearest office today in Woodbury, Edina, or Fridley, Minnesota, to schedule your consultation.
