You might think that varicose veins appear to be cosmetic problem, but these unsightly and unattractive veins can cause potentially dangerous health problems.

The Ugly Truth

 

Dismissing varicose veins as “just cosmetic” is bad for your health. Without consulting your doctor, there is really no way to know if you have some kind of vein disease. Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins that can be seen and felt right under the skin. Spider veins are a smaller version of varicose veins that can appear as red or blue lines in a webbed pattern. Varicose veins and spider veins differ, largely because varicose veins can lead to more serious health problems.

If your varicose veins are left untreated, dangers can occur such as:

Leg swelling– As pressure builds up in the veins, fluid from the blood can leak into the surrounding tissues, causing swelling.

Skin Ulcers– Varicose veins can cause swelling, which over time can result in skin changes. Because of this, skin can become less likely to heal even from minor injuries.

Deep Vein Thrombosis– Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical treatment. The leg can be swollen, warm, and painful. There is a risk in that part of the blood clot may break off and move into the lungs, causing a life threatening condition called pulmonary embolism.

Lymphedema– Lymphedema can occur when lymph builds up in your body’s soft tissues. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells that defend against germs. Blockage of the lymphatic vessels leads to fluid retention.

Fortunately, symptoms can be relieved and complications can be prevented through a variety of treatment options today. At The Vein Centre, we offer minimally invasive procedures that eliminate unsightly, uncomfortable veins without a major disruption to your daily schedule. To learn more about your treatment options, contact The Vein Centre today at 615-269-9007.