Varicose veins and other vein disease types are rather prevalent problems in the United States, with millions suffering from spider or varicose veins or a more severe form of vein disease. Professional treatment may or may not be required, depending on the severity of the problem. Some people can deal with or manage vein problems without the help of a vascular surgeon. However, in serious cases, vein treatment is necessary to prevent the illness from worsening or to alleviate any discomfort you may be experiencing.
Keep reading to discover the 6 important signs you should get treatment for your vein disease.
1. Your veins make you feel self-conscious
Even if your vein problems don’t cause any unpleasant symptoms or lead to other health issues, they can still make you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about your appearance. In this case, it’s worth consulting a vein doctor about the best options for treatment. There’s no reason to hide the unsightly twisted or swollen veins on your legs behind long pants when it’s hot outside. Instead, it’s best to undergo appropriate treatment and live your life to the fullest without any restrictions.
2. Your veins are painful
Though varicose veins may not result in pain, sometimes they might generate a dull soreness in your legs or make your legs feel heavy. Some individuals experience itching, while others have swelling or throbbing. These symptoms may worsen if you sit or stand motionless for lengthy periods of time. Even a little leg discomfort can cause significant disruption in your daily life, making it worthwhile to seek treatment.
3. Lifestyle changes are ineffective
Before recommending professional treatment, a doctor may advise you to adjust your lifestyle. If your vein problems result from obesity, decreasing some or all of the additional weight can help or at the very least prevent the veins from getting worse. Other lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, avoiding constructive clothes, and not sitting with your legs crossed, can also be beneficial. However, if making lifestyle changes isn’t working, medical treatment may be the best option.
4. You experience clots, bleeding, or ulcers
Severe cases of varicose veins can sometimes lead to health complications that require medical attention. Veins near the surface of the skin, for example, may burst, resulting in bleeding. There’s also the possibility that the veins can clot, either deep in the legs or superficially, significantly increasing your chances of serious health problems. Due to vein problems, some individuals develop ulcers on their skin, especially if they experience itching. Although varicose veins complications are uncommon, these are all indicators that you should consult a vein specialist right away.
5. Restless leg syndrome
If you’ve ever felt compelled to move your legs or adjust their position, especially while sleeping, it may have been due to restless leg syndrome (RLS). While the actual origin of RLS is uncertain, some researchers have suggested that RLS and vein problems are linked. Many RLS patients also suffer from venous insufficiency.
6. Your legs are swollen
The fluid that is typically distributed by the vessels begins to build up in the legs when circulation is compromised. As the tissues swell, the pressure placed on the veins rises, potentially leading to the formation of more varicose veins. Swelling can range from mild swelling around the ankles to severe swelling that makes movement difficult and unpleasant. As a result, individuals who experience such problems tend to avoid walking, ultimately exacerbating the underlying vascular disease.
