Varicose veins are a very common condition, especially among older people. It may be this normalcy that lulls people into a false sense of security, as many people don’t seek medical help about their varicose veins.
While there is a chance that varicose veins are not harmful beyond the aesthetic, they may indicate a vein disease or a disorder in another part of the body. Even if varicose veins start benign, they can develop into a more serious condition. For peace of mind over your health, make sure you seek a professional medical opinion about your varicose veins.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are veins that are swollen and twisted to the point of becoming visible. They usually occur in the legs. The heart is responsible for pumping all of your blood around the circulatory system, and the legs can be the most challenging part, as there is a large volume of blood that has to be moved against gravity in order for it to return to the heart.
Conditions that weaken the blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, can cause the veins to become loose and stretched over time.
Early Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The symptoms of varicose veins progress over time, but they can be detected at an early stage. This is easy to address, as the aesthetic effects occur right at the beginning of the disease progression. The veins will start to protrude from the skin and turn blue. Over time, they will become more knotted and twisted, like a patchwork of ropes across the skin, and darken from blue to purple.
As the bulging veins appear unsightly but don’t cause any pain, many people choose to ignore them. It is important to seek medical advice at this point, as bulging veins in the legs or other parts of the body may indicate vein diseases such as chronic venous insufficiency.
Severe Symptoms of Varicose Veins
As chronic venous insufficiency disease progresses, the varicose veins will develop from just a visual effect to physical pain. The pain will likely build over time, to a feeling like a throbbing ache or a muscle cramp. The varicose veins may also itch. This may get to the point of affecting your motion, giving a heavier tread, especially if the varicose veins are in your leg. Sitting or standing for long periods of time may result in sharp shooting pain in the veins.
Further Developments
In the worst-case scenario, varicose veins can develop into more serious diseases. These include ruptures and ulcers at the blood vessels, and blood clots.
Varicose Vein Treatment in Melbourne
Acknowledging the problem is the most important step to solving it. No matter how common varicose veins may seem, if you are starting to form bulging veins in your legs, have a medical professional look over your symptoms.
It is much better for your health to treat the diseases at the early stages, before they develop into something more serious. Book your visit to the Vein Care clinic in Melbourne.
