Are Varicose Veins a Danger to My Health?

For many people, the primary concern with varicose veins is their appearance. These large, bulging, twisted veins often show up on the legs and can have a major impact on how your legs look.

However, there’s more to varicose veins than their cosmetic impact. Having varicose veins provides a clue to your vascular health. While symptoms aren’t life-threatening, the providers at Third Coast Vascular want you to know that varicose veins can be a serious condition. 

Our team of interventional radiologists, wound care, and interventional vascular specialists have extensive experience providing individualized treatment plans and innovative therapies for non-healing wounds and various vascular conditions, including varicose veins. 

Varicose vein overview

Veins have a one-way valve designed to transport blood in one direction toward the heart. For this to happen, vein valves must open and shut quickly. In patients with varicose veins, these valves don’t work as well as they should. They may fail to close quickly, close tightly enough, or not close at all. 

Faulty vein valves in the legs allow blood to flow backward and pool in the legs, causing increased pressure in veins. As a result, veins can become enlarged, twisted, and bulging. 

Who’s at risk for varicose veins?

Genetic factors play a role in developing varicose veins and having a family history is a primary risk factor. Other factors that boost your risk include:

• Job involving prolonged sitting or standing
• Pregnancy
• History of blood clots
• Age (risk increases with age)

Additionally, hormonal factors play a role in developing varicose veins. This means women have a higher likelihood of developing varicose veins than men.

Symptoms of varicose veins

For some patients, varicose veins may not cause any symptoms, while others may experience:

• Heavy feeling in the legs
• Swelling
• Leg cramping
• Itching
• Fatigue

It’s common for symptoms to be more prominent in the evenings. 

Potential health risks

Varicose veins can be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, where blood flow in the legs is persistently impaired. In addition to symptoms such as itchy, cramping legs, varicose veins can cause skin changes, such as discoloration and thickening. Painful ulcers can also form, especially around the ankles.

Blood clots are another potential health risk. Superficial thrombophlebitis, or clots that form near the surface of the skin, can cause redness, warmth, and tenderness. 

Although rare, a more serious complication is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where clots form in deeper veins. DVT can be life-threatening if a clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

Treatment options for varicose veins

Third Coast Vascular provides a range of varicose vein treatment options tailored to your needs. Conservative treatments, such as compression stockings, leg elevation, and regular exercise, can help improve circulation and relieve mild symptoms. 

Minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or endovenous ablation effectively eliminate varicose veins, restoring proper blood flow, and boosting vascular health. 

Exceptional vein care

The team at Third Coast Vascular cares about your vein health. Our comprehensive treatment options for varicose veins, spider veins, and venous disorders are performed by our board-certified vascular specialist. 

Whether you’re seeking cosmetic improvement or relief from nagging symptoms, our team will work closely with you to address your concerns. If you’re concerned about varicose veins or experiencing symptoms, schedule a consultation with our expert team today.