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When to Worry About Your Varicose Veins

Written By Center for Vein Restoration
Blog Image When To Worry About Varicose Veins
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Varicose veins can be more than a cosmetic concern. For many, these enlarged, twisted veins—most commonly occurring in the legs—indicate underlying venous insufficiency (vein disease). This chronic condition affects the way blood flows back to the heart. If you're dealing with varicose veins, spider veins, or related vein problems, knowing when to consult a vein specialist can make a world of difference to your overall health and comfort.

This guide will review the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for varicose veins and help you determine when it’s time to seek expert care.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

According to Penn Medicine, varicose veins develop when tiny valves in leg veins fail to work correctly, causing blood to pool and the veins to swell. While often a minor issue, they can lead to pain, swelling, skin changes, and even blood clots if they worsen. This condition is common, particularly in older adults and women. Healthy vein function helps blood flow back to the heart, but when these valves weaken, blood begins to pool in the veins, causing them to stretch, twist, and enlarge.

Common factors contributing to varicose veins include:

  • Genetics: A family history of vein problems increases your risk.
  • Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Occupations that require extended periods on your feet or sitting can strain your veins.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased pressure on leg veins during pregnancy may lead to varicose veins.
  • Aging: Over time, vein walls and valves naturally weaken.

Spider veins, a milder form of vein disease, often accompany varicose veins. These smaller, web-like veins usually form near the surface of the skin.

Do you have any of these risk factors? Take a vein health assessment and see if your symptoms may be related to vein disease.

Varicose Vein Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

While varicose veins may not always cause discomfort, they often come with symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life. Signs that it’s time to consult a vein expert include:

  • Leg Pain and Heaviness: Aching, throbbing, or a heavy sensation in the legs, especially after standing or sitting for long periods.
  • Swelling: Persistent swelling in the ankles or feet may signal worsening venous insufficiency.
  • Itching or Burning: The skin around varicose veins might itch or feel irritated.
  • Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Studies have linked varicose veins to RLS, a condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move your legs.
  • Nighttime Cramps: Painful leg cramps can disrupt sleep.

Don’t ignore your symptoms! If you have symptoms of venous insufficiency, consult a board-certified vein expert at the Center for Vein Restoration (CVR). Your CVR vein specialist will examine you, perform a venous duplex ultrasound to ensure an accurate diagnosis, review your results in detail, and offer a custom treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

REMEMBER: Early intervention can prevent further complications, improve your comfort, and restore confidence in how you feel about your legs.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

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When Varicose Veins Signal Serious Problems

In some cases, varicose veins can lead to complications that require immediate medical attention. These include:

Leg Ulcers
Open sores near varicose veins that do not heal are a sign of advanced vein disease. Seek help from a vein specialist promptly.

Blood Clots

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A clot in a deep vein can cause pain, swelling, and changes in skin color. If a clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
  • Superficial Thrombophlebitis: Clots in superficial veins cause redness, tenderness, and warmth in the affected area. Though less severe, they should still be evaluated by a doctor.

Bleeding Varicose Veins
Enlarged veins close to the skin’s surface are more prone to bleeding, which can be difficult to stop without medical intervention and may constitute a medical emergency.

Lifestyle Changes You Can Make Today

Although you can’t eliminate your risk, these lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow the progression of varicose veins:

  • Stay Active: Regular exercise improves circulation and strengthens vein walls.
  • Elevate Your Legs: Raising your legs above heart level can reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
  • Wear Compression Stockings: These specially designed stockings provide gentle pressure to support vein function.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight places additional pressure on your veins.

Effective Vein Treatments

If the lifestyle changes listed above aren’t enough to bring relief, a Center for Vein Restoration vein doctor is ready to provide advanced minimally-invasive vein treatments tailored to your needs and performed as an outpatient. Options include:

  • Sclerotherapy: This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a solution into the vein, causing it to collapse and fade over time.
  • Laser Therapy: Non-invasive laser treatments target spider veins and smaller varicose veins.
  • Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): A thin laser fiber inserted into the vein seals it shut, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins.
  • Ambulatory Phlebectomy: A minor surgical procedure to remove larger varicose veins through tiny incisions.

At CVR, these treatments often take an hour or less, and patients can return to their regular routine immediately.

Why Choose Center for Vein Restoration?

Center for Vein Restoration is America’s largest physician-led vein clinic, offering expert care for vein disease. With state-of-the-art technology and compassionate professionals, CVR has helped thousands of patients regain their confidence and improve their quality of life.

Don’t wait until vein problems disrupt your daily life—schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward healthier veins!

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Take Control of Your Vein Health: Expert Care is Just a Call Away

  1. Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms: If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, or other symptoms of venous insufficiency, consult a vein expert at the Center for Vein Restoration. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve your comfort.
  2. Discover Your Treatment Options: At CVR, we offer a range of cutting-edge treatments for varicose veins and spider veins. Let our experienced team guide you toward the best solution for your needs.
  3. Schedule Your Consultation: Visit Center for Vein Restoration’s online appointment portal or call 240-965-3915 today to find a vein center near you. With locations nationwide, expert care is closer than you think!
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