Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern — they are a symptom of a larger issue, the need for attention to your overall health.
While some patients find these veins bothersome, others report pain, swelling, and even skin ulcers, or sores, on the lower legs. Unfortunately, failure to evaluate other symptoms may lead to additional leg vein issues. As the problem progresses, symptoms may worsen, and circulation and other health issues may deteriorate. Listed below are five signs of leg vein problems that will help you determine when to treat varicose veins.
Should you notice these symptoms, it’s time to visit a vein treatment center or consider having varicose vein surgery.
- Persistent leg pain and heaviness
- Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
- Skin changes and discoloration
- Bleeding from varicose veins
- Development of skin ulcers
- What next?
1. Persistent leg pain and heaviness
Do your legs constantly feel achy, swollen, or heavy for no reason, especially after long periods of standing or sitting? This dull, continuous discomfort is a sign that your leg veins are suffering in their attempt to recover blood for circulation and are building pressure instead.
And when your veins are ineffective or sluggish in returning blood to the heart, the symptoms you’re experiencing may include visible swelling, throbbing pain in your legs, and even general leg fatigue. When left untreated, these vein complications can worsen over time and lead to (a potential combination) further health hazards such as inflammation, changes in your skin, and even ulcers.
2. Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
When noticeable swelling is detected in your legs or ankles, it could be a sign that your veins are lackluster in their efforts to circulate blood back to your heart.
When veins are blocked or contributing to static blood flow, it can cause possible swelling to occur in your lower extremities due to accumulating fluid. How does fluid build up in leg veins? When vein blood becomes stagnant, it pools in places with the most gravity — your lower extremities. This pooling causes your legs to swell/feel tight in the process.
You may also develop swelling from standing or sitting that simply doesn’t go away or lessens only when you elevate your legs. Along with swelling, the skin on your legs may be itchy, appear discolored, or feel tender.
When conservative strategies cease to provide relief, it might be time to try vein treatments. In these cases, treatments are more definitive and cure the underlying cause, allowing blood to circulate normally, lowering pressure, and reducing symptoms. If the cause of symptoms is directly addressed with a cure, symptoms will not return. Leg pain should not be ignored, it is a sign that something is wrong.
3. Skin changes and discoloration
A change in skin colour or texture or the presence of ulcers around the ankles can call for concern and generally indicate advanced leg vein problems. When the leg veins cannot properly circulate the blood, the skin surrounding the veins in the lower leg may show signs of discolouration, drying, hardening and even itchiness and slight inflammation.
Eventually, the inflammation will grow, and the skin will continue to be damaged, turning into open sores that cannot heal.
4. Bleeding from varicose veins
Certain varicose veins near the surface of your skin are at risk of breaking down and bleeding with even the slightest cuts or bruises in that area. The weakened state of these veins causes the blood to pool inside frequently. This makes it easier for them to break open when external pressure is applied. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor if you experience bleeding from a varicose vein.
As bleeding continues to worsen over time, this could be an indicator of an underlying venous problem. Don’t ignore these symptoms as they can complicate the issue further, causing infections and worsening vein problems.
5. Development of skin ulcers
Painful ulcers near the ankles can signify a severe and more serious complication that accompanies varicose veins. These ulcers may have developed after years of accumulating fluid and blood in the veins and as a result of poor circulation.
Without proper flow of blood and fluid nourishment to the skin, skin tissue will start to disintegrate. Once the skin is broken, an open ulcer can form and cause immense pain. These ulcers have been known to be stubborn and slow to heal.
What next?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is probably time you have it checked out for possible treatment. You can find out more about the specifics by setting an appointment with https://sw11clinic-clapham.co.uk/. Let them take care of all your needs, from consultations to vascular surgery procedures.
Don’t let those varicose veins get in your way of living life! Contact SW11 Clinic as soon as you can to schedule a meeting to help you with the next steps in your treatment plan.
