Varicose veins, while not classified as a life-threatening medical condition, can lead to significant discomfort and may result in more serious complications like blood clots or chronic venous insufficiency if left untreated. In addition to the swelling and pain they cause, varicose veins often become a source of insecurity due to their unappealing appearance.
Struggling to figure out when to worry about your varicose veins? In this article, we will review the most common symptoms of varicose veins and their significance in determining when to seek treatment.
Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins that are typically visible just beneath the skin’s surface. Often appearing in shades of blue, red, or purple, they are most commonly found on the legs and feet and feature a winding, twisted appearance.
Varicose veins usually develop due to malfunctioning blood valves or increased pressure from chronic periods of sitting or standing. Other contributing factors include
Even though 3 in 10 adults have varicose veins, don’t let their prevalence fool you. Certain symptoms may indicate severe underlying conditions that shouldn’t be ignored.
These are some of the warning signs your varicose veins are serious and should be inspected by a vein doctor.
What starts as mild aching can progress to more severe pain in the affected area, especially after prolonged standing or sitting. Persistent pain may signal inflammation or potentially dangerous blood clots, especially when accompanied by redness, swelling, and warmth.
Varicose veins can cause the surrounding skin to discolor with reddish and brownish patches that become scaly or itchy. These changes might indicate inflammation, the formation of a venous ulcer, or progressive skin damage. Seek professional evaluation before conditions worsen.
Swelling around varicose veins often indicates that the vein isn’t functioning properly, causing fluid to accumulate in surrounding tissues. When swelling appears alongside pain and redness, it may signal a serious condition, such as a blood clot, lymphedema, or edema.
Although rare, ruptured varicose veins constitute a medical emergency and require immediate attention. Even minimal bleeding indicates it’s time to worry about varicose veins. Bleeding varicose veins are a sign of structural weakness in the veins that could lead to significant blood loss if left untreated.
Even though many adults live with varicose veins without complications, it’s essential to seek medical care once you begin experiencing symptoms. Don’t wait around for them to become more severe. Consult with a vein specialist who has been professionally trained to diagnose and treat venous conditions.
When you visit a doctor for varicose veins, your appointment typically includes an evaluation of your medical history, physical condition, and testing to assess conditions such as venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis. Treatment usually begins conservatively with at-home solutions such as compression socks, regular leg elevation, and exercise before considering minimally invasive vein disease treatment.
In cases where symptoms are severe and indicate underlying issues, varicose veins can be treated with minimally invasive, state-of-the-art techniques. When at-home remedies prove insufficient, a vein professional will recommend one of the following varicose vein treatment options:
As an IAC-accredited vein specialist, Gilvydis Vein Clinic maintains exceptionally high standards of care, providing minimally invasive outpatient treatments to restore blood flow in damaged varicose veins. If you’re still not sure when to worry about varicose veins, schedule a free vein screening consultation today.
At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools and employ state-of-the-art treatments to effectively identify and manage venous issues. We provide solutions that prioritize both patients’ aesthetic goals and long-term vascular health. Get started by filling out our patient survey, and take the first step towards relief from varicose veins.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, M.D, is the co-founder of Northern Illinois Vein Clinic (NIVC) in Rockford, Illinois, and the founder of Gilvydis Vein Clinic (GVC) in Naperville, Sycamore, and Geneva, Illinois. A board-certified interventionalist and diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. Gilvydis has been treating varicose veins with minimally invasive techniques since they were first introduced.
Genetics plays a crucial role in vein health, with family history being the most significant predictor of varicose veins. If your parents or siblings have experienced vein issues, you’re significantly more likely to develop similar conditions.
Red flags for varicose veins signal a more serious underlying circulation issue called chronic venous insufficiency. You should be concerned if your varicose veins are accompanied by:
The most consistent warning sign is swelling in one calf. Seek medical attention right away if you experience leg pain that begins in the calf and resembles cramping or soreness, if the skin appears red or discolored, or if the leg feels unusually warm to the touch.
A blood clot in a varicose vein near the skin’s surface is called superficial thrombophlebitis. While not as dangerous as a deep vein clot (DVT), it needs medical attention.
Signs of a clot in a varicose vein include:
Note: If you have severe swelling and pain throughout your entire leg, seek emergency care, as this could signal a more dangerous deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
While most individuals with varicose veins do not experience complications, untreated cases can lead to issues such as ulcers (open sores), bleeding, inflammation, or skin discoloration. In more severe instances, varicose veins may indicate chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.
We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.
