Are My Varicose Veins Dangerous?
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
Leslie never thought in a million years that she’d struggle with unsightly varicose veins. After all, she is a former college volleyball player and is used to having strong, healthy-looking legs. But these days, she’s more than just embarrassed to show them off at the beach or while hanging out on the patio with her family. These bulging, twisted veins are everywhere, and she’s scared that they are more dangerous than she initially thought.
When it comes to varicose veins, saying they are “dangerous” may be overstated, depending on your situation. Varicose veins are extremely common and affect roughly 25% of men and women in the United States. For many people, their varicose veins never become more than a cosmetic annoyance. No pain. No serious health scares. Just an ugly fact of life. With that said, this doesn’t mean they should go untreated. While not a serious medical condition in and of themselves—especially in the early stages—varicose veins are problematic and can be a precursor to more life-interrupting and possibly permanent debilitating health conditions.
This is especially true if you leave them unchecked and begin experiencing any pain or discomfort.
Could My Varicose Veins Mean More?
When we say varicose veins, we are describing a condition in which the veins stop working properly, fill up with blood, and enlarge or swell due to a high volume of fluid build-up. This causes what patients like Leslie are experiencing—blue or dark purple veins that are lumpy, bulging, or twisted in appearance. They are typically found on the legs but can also surface on the face and pelvis.
Like previously mentioned, this is not considered a serious medical condition and may be painless. Some people with varicose veins have jobs that force them to be on their feet for hours at a time (cooks, bartenders, waiters, teachers, nurses, etc.). Others who are more susceptible to varicose veins include pregnant women, people who smoke, those who lead sedentary lifestyles, and individuals who are overweight. Genetics is also a key factor; if your mother or grandmother had varicose veins, you are more susceptible.
The first key indicator that something else may be going on beneath the surface is if you’re in pain. Are you experiencing any of these varicose vein symptoms?
- Achy or heavy feeling in your legs
- Burning sensation
- Throbbing, muscle cramping, swelling
- Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for long periods
- Itchy skin or skin discoloration
- Numb legs
- Bruising
- Leg skin ulcers or sores
If so, a deeper, more serious health problem may exist. Your symptoms can worsen and lead to other complications. Let’s take a look at a few possible scenarios:
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is very similar to varicose veins since it is a condition in which broken valves in a patient do not hold a seal and blood pressure builds up in the lower legs. This leads to pooling of the blood called venous stasis, leading to swelling and skin changes. However, CVI can occur with or without the presence of varicose veins. Advancing age, family history, prolonged standing, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and pregnancy are all considered risk factors.
- Skin Leg and Foot Ulcers
Venous and arterial (ischemic) ulcers come in all shapes, sizes, and severity. These can form on the lower extremities such as the legs, feet, toes, heels, and ankles. Venous ulcers develop because of damage to the veins, usually showing up first as spider veins and eventually varicose veins. Arterial ulcers arise from artery damage.
- Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis
Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is inflammation causing a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in your legs.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Up to 100,000 people die each year from blood clots that form in the deep large veins of the pelvis, legs, thighs, or arms. When blood clots form where they aren’t supposed to inside a vein or artery, blood can’t flow past the clot, causing an immediate decrease in blood circulation. So what’s the connection with varicose veins? Simply put, people with varicose veins are reportedly five times more likely to develop DVT.
If left undiagnosed and untreated, blood clots can result in strokes, pulmonary embolism, heart attacks, and death.
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Approximately 1 in 10 adults suffer from restless leg syndrome (RLS), which is classified as a sleep disorder and can feel like pins and needles or itchiness and only improves or is eliminated completely with movement. It can affect more women than men. The National Sleep Foundation says 98% of patients who experience RLS found symptom relief after treating varicose veins. Also, many physicians believe varicose vein problems cause restless leg syndrome since blood is not emptying out of the legs properly.
How Can I Improve My Varicose Vein Symptoms?
- Quit smoking — Smoking directly impacts the formation of varicose veins and other vein disease.
- Wear compression socks — Compression socks apply gentle pressure to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and help support painful legs during long work shifts, plane flights, and standing on your feet for an extended time.
- Eat better — A better diet such as fruits, vegetables, foods high in Vitamin C and E, and fiber-rich foods promotes blood circulation and improved cardiovascular health.
- Be more active — Staying active, exercising, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle improves blood flow in the body.
- Avoid tight clothing — Blood flow can be restricted by clothing that’s tight in the waist, legs, and upper thighs.
StrideCare Is Your Expert for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins don’t have to be dangerous at all. In some cases, they may never cause you any issues beyond being a cosmetic annoyance. However, you and so many other people would be better served by having them checked and potentially treated by a vascular specialist. Early intervention can help avoid painful symptoms as well as eliminate the threat of life-altering blood clots, etc.
StrideCare is the leader in advanced artery and vein condition diagnosis and treatment. No matter what stage of the disease, today’s minimally invasive procedures end pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. We treat everything from spider veins and problem varicose veins to more advanced conditions such as peripheral arterial disease and diabetic foot ulcers. The vascular physicians at StrideCare are board-certified diagnostic radiologists with additional fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology.
Artery and vein disease can be very treatable with our effective, state-of-the-art medical technology. There is hope.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves the South Texas area including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Bay City, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, and more.
