Symptoms of Untreated Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a common condition characterized by enlarged, twisted veins that often appear in the legs. While they may initially seem like a cosmetic issue, leaving varicose veins untreated can lead to a range of more serious health complications.
Understanding the potential risks is essential to making informed decisions about seeking timely medical treatment.
Let’s take a look at 5 different symptoms of untreated varicose veins:
1. Increased Pain and Discomfort
One of the most immediate consequences of untreated varicose veins is increased pain and discomfort. What may begin as mild aching or heaviness in the legs can escalate into more severe throbbing, swelling, and burning sensations.
As the condition worsens, these symptoms often become more persistent and harder to manage with simple home remedies like compression stockings or leg elevation.
2. Skin Changes and Ulcers
If varicose veins are not treated, the lack of proper blood circulation can cause changes in the skin around the affected areas. Over time, the skin may become discolored, thin, and prone to injuries. In more severe cases, patients may develop open sores or ulcers, particularly around the ankles.
These ulcers are often slow to heal and can become infected, leading to further complications and even hospitalization if left unaddressed.
3. Blood Clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Varicose veins can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the veins. These clots may stay near the surface (superficial thrombophlebitis), causing redness, swelling, and tenderness. While this form of clotting is less dangerous, untreated varicose veins also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a more serious condition.
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deeper vein, potentially breaking off and traveling to the lungs, which can cause a life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism.
4. Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Over time, untreated varicose veins can contribute to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins are unable to effectively pump blood back to the heart. This results in blood pooling in the legs, leading to severe swelling, pain, and skin changes.
Chronic venous insufficiency can significantly impact a person’s mobility and quality of life.
5. Psychological Impact
Living with untreated varicose veins can also take a toll on a person’s mental well-being. Many people feel self-conscious or embarrassed about the appearance of their legs, which can limit their willingness to participate in social activities.
The physical symptoms of pain and discomfort can also contribute to feelings of frustration and anxiety, particularly if the condition worsens over time.
Our Varicose Vein Treatments
At Fox Valley Surgical Specialists, we provide a comprehensive range of treatments to address blue veins and their underlying conditions. From conservative approaches to advanced surgical interventions, our specialized care ensures the best outcomes for your vascular health. Our treatments include:
- Laser Venous Ablation: This procedure closes off abnormal veins using laser energy. It is particularly effective for treating chronic laser venous disease, which can present as leg pain, swelling, fatigue, and varicose veins.
- VenaSeal™: A modern vein closure technique developed by Medtronic, VenaSeal was FDA-approved in 2015. VenaSeal uses a specialized medical adhesive called cyanoacrylate to close off problematic veins without the need for heat or sclerosants.
- Sclerotherapy: A minimally invasive procedure where a solution is injected into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade away. Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for both varicose and spider veins.
- Varithena®: An FDA-approved treatment for varicose veins caused by venous insufficiency. This non-surgical procedure involves injecting a specialized foam into the vein, reducing both the appearance of varicose veins and the discomfort associated with them. Find out more about Varithena here.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A treatment that uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to seal off problem veins, offering relief from varicose veins and other venous conditions. Take a look at our RFA treatment service here.
- Microphlebectomy: Also known as stab phlebectomy, this procedure involves making small incisions over varicose veins to remove them. Microphlebectomy a minimally invasive option for treating larger, more severe varicose veins.
- VeinGogh: A cutting-edge radiofrequency procedure specifically designed to treat spider veins. VeinGogh uses a fine needle to deliver precise bursts of radiofrequency energy directly into the spider veins, effectively reducing their appearance.
Why Choose Fox Valley Surgical Specialists for Varicose Vein Treatments?
At Fox Valley Surgical Specialists, we understand the importance of addressing varicose veins before they lead to more serious complications. Our team of experienced vascular and endovascular surgeons and medical professionals provides personalized care and advanced treatments to help you manage your condition. Whether you’re concerned about the appearance of your veins, experiencing discomfort, or worried about potential health risks, the experts at FVSS are here to guide you through every step of your treatment journey.
Our vein clinic utilize the latest techniques, including minimally invasive procedures like endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and sclerotherapy, to ensure effective and lasting results. We prioritize your comfort and safety, helping you regain confidence in your legs and improve your overall well-being.
Contact Us!
If you’re experiencing symptoms of varicose veins or have concerns about your vascular health, don’t wait for complications to arise. Contact Fox Valley Surgical Specialists at (800) 574-3872 today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options. Here are 9 contributing factors to venous disease that you should know about.
We’re committed to helping you find relief and achieve better vascular health! Check out our article on tips for varicose vein pain relief.
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