Are Varicose Veins Dangerous? When to Seek Varicose Treatment
Some estimates indicate that as much as half of the adult population suffers from venous disease. Approximately a quarter of the women who do, and roughly 10-15% of the men, have varicose veins. Despite how common they are, these purple and blue knots are a sign that something is wrong, and it can be concerning to see them appear. Today we’ll examine the dangers associated with them, and how to know when a varicose treatment Miami specialist should be consulted.
Understanding What Went Wrong
In order to fully comprehend the concerns associated with these unsightly knots, it’s important to know how they form. In a normally-functioning, healthy vascular system, blood is pumped through the pathways in a single direction. Muscular contractions cause them to open as blood is pulsed through, and they close shut between contractions to ensure one-way functionality. Certain things can weaken or damage the vein walls, and stops them from working properly. When this happens, the blood pools up, causing the vein to permanently bulge or become distorted.
Sometimes the Biggest Complication is Appearance
For most people, the spots are simply unsightly, and they seek varicose vein treatments purely for aesthetics. In these cases, blood circulation has not diminished to the point where additional symptoms are present, and swelling has not caused any issues.
Other Times, Irritating Symptoms Accompany the Spots
When blood still moves through the pathways, symptoms are generally caused by swelling, which applies pressure to nerves. If you feel any of the following symptoms, the only way to end the discomfort is to have a vascular physician evaluate and treat the underlying condition.
- Aching legs
- Leg Fatigue
- Burning or throbbing in your legs
- Muscle cramps
- Itching around the affected veins
Imminent Danger: When to Visit a Vein Treatment Center Immediately
There are many reasons why these spots appear, like age, obesity, or pregnancy, but sometimes they’re a symptom of a more serious condition. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to have an exam from a vascular physician, even if the spots are not producing any bothersome symptoms. With that said, a few signs that you should schedule an appointment right away are listed below.
- Skin ulcers near your ankle
- Leg swelling
- “Cankles” (Your calf and ankle appear to be one mass, due to swelling)
- Symptoms of infection
- Appearance of additional varicose veins after taking preventative measures
- Sudden onset of veins if you aren’t in a high-risk group
- Abrupt increase in pain or discomfort
Generally speaking, it’s rarely urgent to see a varicose treatment Miami specialist, but because there are times when the condition is dangerous, it’s always wise to see a vascular physician if the spots appear. Even if your varicose veins are not caused by a dangerous condition, and are not irritating you with bothersome symptoms, it’s worthwhile to arm yourself with the information you need to make an informed decision on which treatment options will work best if and when you are ready to be free of them.