Understanding Varicose Vein

Varicose Vein

A varicose vein is a common health complication affecting a large population globally. There are several misconceptions surrounding the condition, its causes, symptoms, and treatment, and many people may not understand the complications. But, medical experts such as Gregg Shore, MD, a Sebring varicose veins specialist at Florida Lakes Surgical, can help you understand the condition better and help you through the diagnosis and treatment process. Here is more information about the complication to help you get a glimpse of what varicose veins entail.

What It Is

Your veins carry blood from the body to the lungs and the heart. You are said to have a varicose vein when the veins abnormally bulge through your skin or become dilated. This occurs when blood pools in the veins and fails to circulate properly. Although the visible veins, mainly purple or blue, can develop anywhere in your body, they are more common in the thighs and legs. When the veins are too small, they are referred to as spider veins, and they appear on your skin as spider webs hence the name.

Who Can Get Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins can affect both men and women at any age. However, they frequently affect older people and women, particularly those in their childbearing years. However, some people are also at a higher risk of developing the condition than others. For Example, old age increases the tendency to develop varicose veins. Also, a family history of the disease may increase your chances of developing the condition.

Obesity, pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, and a sedentary, inactive lifestyle are other risk factors that increase your tendency to develop the condition.

Varicose Veins Causes

The exact causes of varicose veins are not entirely understood. However, the absence or malfunction of some valves in the veins has been found to cause poor venous circulation contributing to the development of varicose veins. Vein wall weakness has also been found to contribute to varicose vein formation as it causes the pooling of blood in the veins.

Other less commonly known causes of varicose veins include congenital abnormalities in the veins, blood clots, and phlebitis.

Signs and Symptoms

It is not everyone with a varicose vein that experiences physical symptoms. The only common problem is a cosmetic issue everyone gets and is the appearance of the veins on the skin. However, some people may experience the following symptoms as well:

  •       Fatigue
  •       Cramping
  •       Aching
  •       Itching, oozing, redness, and swelling

You can also experience pressure sensations and dull aches around the affected area.

You can experience bleeding, blood clot, stasis dermatitis or weeping oozing dermatitis, and skin ulceration in severe cases. Although these symptoms are less common, they should be addressed immediately when they occur.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you show varicose vein symptoms, your provider will perform a general physical examination. This includes looking into your family history, evaluating any expansion of the varicose vein, and asking you about the duration and presence of any other symptoms. They will also perform a general inspection and palpation and evaluate any bleeding or ulceration.

When the diagnosis is confirmed and the cause of your condition understood, your provider will recommend treatment options suitable for your individual needs. These may include:

  •       Leg elevation
  •       Compression stocking
  •       Sclerotherapy
  •       Ablation of abnormal veins
  •       Surgery

The providers at Florida Lakes Surgical can help you understand more about varicose veins. Do not hesitate to book an appointment and make your inquiries from the experts with all the information you might require.