Is it time to be concerned about your varicose veins?

Woman with tired painful and spider varicose veins You may not be happy with how your varicose veins look, but there are other reasons to treat them besides just cosmetic concerns. Leaving varicose veins untreated can be dangerous to your health. Read on for some signs that it is time to treat those varicose veins.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins occur when your circulatory system develops problems and the blood is allowed to pool in your veins instead of circulating as it should. Eventually, this stretches out the veins and creates varicose veins. Risk factors for varicose veins include being a woman, having a family history of veins, being overweight, pregnancy, and years of standing or sitting for extended periods of time. They can also be the result of aging or damage to veins (such as through a car accident or a sports injury).

When should you see a doctor about varicose veins?

If you are having any pain or discomfort, that, of course, is a sign you should talk to your doctor. Here are some other signs that you should get medical help for your veins:

• Skin discoloration below the knee (especially at ankle level)

• Pain and swelling that is severe and continuous

• Leg wounds that won’t heal, especially on the inner leg and down near the ankle

• A feeling of heaviness in the leg

• A feeling of aching, burning, itching, and/or throbbing

• Muscle cramps, especially when you are in bed

• A vein that spontaneously begins bleeding

• Veins that are tender, red, and/or warm

None of these symptoms are very pleasant, but that’s not the only reason you should be treated for your varicose veins. Although it is rare, ignoring these symptoms that can come with varicose veins can lead to serious health problems, such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the legs), phlebitis (inflammation of the veins and blood clotting), lymphedema (a buildup of fluid that can make legs swollen and uncomfortable), cellulitis (an infection of the skin), and skin ulcers.

If you show any of these signs that your varicose veins are becoming a serious health problem, don’t wait. Call Dr. Sammy A. Zakhary in Glendale, Arizona, at (623) 258-3255 for an appointment!

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