When You Should Worry about Varicose Veins

Varicose veins: they’re unsightly, uncomfortable, and sometimes downright painful. If you’ve ever dealt with these bulging, twisted veins, you know firsthand how they can impact your daily life and self-confidence. But did you know that varicose veins are also a sign of a deeper underlying health issue? It’s true, and that’s why understanding the cause of varicose veins is so important.

At Colorado Skin & Vein, we’ve been treating varicose veins and other vascular issues for over two decades. As a national leader in medical and aesthetic vein treatments, we know that the key to effective varicose vein management is education and early intervention. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you understand when your varicose veins require medical attention.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of varicose veins, exploring what causes them, how to recognize the signs of a more serious problem, and what treatment options are available. Whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or more severe symptoms, we’ll provide you with the information and resources you need to take control of your vein health.

So, if you’re ready to say goodbye to the worry and hello to healthier, more beautiful legs, keep reading. With the help of the expert team at Colorado Skin & Vein, you’ll be well on your way to living your best, varicose vein-free life.

Understanding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most commonly appear on the legs and feet. These veins have faulty valves that allow blood to flow backwards and pool, causing the vein to stretch and bulge. While varicose veins can be unsightly, they are also a sign of deeper vascular issue . In some cases, they can lead to more serious health problems.

“Varicose veins are a common condition that affect millions of Americans,” says David Verebelyi, MD, RVT, the medical director at Colorado Skin & Vein. “While they are often a cosmetic concern, it’s important to understand that varicose veins are almost always a sign of a more serious underlying vascular issue.”

It’s important to distinguish varicose veins from spider veins, which are smaller, thinner, not raised and often red or blue in color. Spider veins are usually harmless and do not typically cause symptoms. On the other hand, varicose veins can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Aching or heavy feeling in the legs
• Burning, throbbing, or cramping sensations
• Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
• Itching around the veins
• Skin discoloration around the varicose veins

Several factors can increase your risk of developing varicose veins, including:

• Age: The risk of varicose veins increases as you get older.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men.
• Pregnancy: The weight and hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of varicose veins.
• Obesity: Excess body weight puts added pressure on the veins.
• Prolonged standing or sitting: Jobs that require long periods of standing or sitting can lead to varicose veins.

When Varicose Veins Require Medical Attention

While you may have been told that varicose veins are a cosmetic issue, that is simply not true.  Varicose veins are a sign of venous reflux which is the most common cause of blood clots.  That means all varicose veins warrant evaluations by a vascular specialist like those at Colorado Skin & Vein. If you experience any of the following, it’s time to seek medical attention:

• Swollen veins that are raised above the skin in the thighs or legs which get worse with long periods of standing
• Significant pain, swelling, or heaviness in the legs
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• NIghttime cramping in the calves or feet
• Skin changes around the varicose veins, such as:
  • Ulcers or open sores
  • Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
  • Discoloration or darkening of the skin

Leaving severe varicose veins untreated can lead to serious complications, including:

• Blood Clots: Varicose veins can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the leg. If left untreated, DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs.
• Skin Damage and Swelling: Varicose veins can cause skin changes including darkening of the skin or thickening of the skin.  Swelling and long term skin changes can make skin  more susceptible to infections, such as cellulitis. Cellulitis is a serious bacterial skin infection that can spread rapidly and require hospitalization.
• Skin Ulceration:  Skin damage due to swelling associated with varicose veins and venous insufficiency can lead to skin breakdown and ulcerations.  These ulcers are almost impossible to heal without first treating the underlying vein problems. 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about your varicose veins, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. You can schedule a screening and diagnosis with a vascular specialist. At Colorado Skin & Vein, our expert team uses state-of-the-art technology to assess your vein health and develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications.

Treatments for Problematic Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern. These bulging, tortuous veins are almost always a sign of deeper vascular issues that can lead to serious complications such as blood clots and skin ulcers. That’s why we offer a range of advanced treatment options to address varicose veins and improve your overall vein health.

“Varicose veins are a progressive condition that won’t improve on its own,” explains Dr. Verebelyi. “The good news is that we have a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can effectively close off damaged veins and restore healthy blood flow. Our goal is to provide each patient with a personalized treatment plan that delivers the best possible results.”

According to Dr. Verebelyi, some of the most effective treatments include:

• Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (EVRF) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA): These procedures use targeted energy to close damaged veins without affecting surrounding tissue.
• VenaSeal: This groundbreaking treatment uses a specialized medical-grade surgical adhesive to seal diseased vessels.
• Polidocanol foams (Varithena): This is an FDA approved medication that is injected into the damaged vein, causing it to close and redirect blood flow to healthy vessels.
• Microphlebectomy: This procedure removes superficial veins through tiny incisions, providing quick and beautiful results, especially for large, bulging veins.

At Colorado Skin & Vein, we are so confident in our ability to achieve the best cosmetic and clinical results that we always guarantee our work.

Preventing Varicose Veins

While varicose veins are primarily caused by genetics and the effects of gravity over time, there are steps you can take to support your vein health and reduce your risk of developing more varicose veins in the future. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your veins
• Exercising regularly to improve circulation
• Elevating your legs when sitting for extended periods
• Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing
• Wearing compression stockings to support healthy blood flow
  
  

If you have a family history of varicose veins or are experiencing symptoms such as restless leg syndrome, nighttime leg cramps, swelling, or fatigue, it’s important to schedule a screening with a vascular specialist. At Colorado Skin & Vein, our team can assess your vein health and provide personalized recommendations to help you prevent or manage varicose veins.

Varicose Veins: Not Just a Cosmetic Issue

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic issue – they are a sign of more serious underlying vascular problems that can lead to complications if left untreated. At Colorado Skin & Vein, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the most advanced, effective treatments for varicose veins in a warm, welcoming environment.

Our convenient location in Greenwood Village, CO, just 12 miles south of the Denver metro area, makes it easy for you to access the care you need. With our extensive experience and commitment to patient satisfaction, you can trust that your legs will not only look amazing but feel great too.

Don’t let varicose veins hold you back any longer. Contact Colorado Skin & Vein today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards healthier, more beautiful legs. Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the treatment process. With most insurance plans accepted and our guarantee of the best results, there’s no reason to wait. Say goodbye to achy, swollen, and unsightly veins – let Colorado Skin & Vein help you love your legs again.