December 19, 2022
Have you noticed large, swollen, twisted veins that protrude from the skin of your legs? These are called varicose veins. These unsightly veins develop when the valves in the veins of your legs stop working properly. Instead of smooth blood flow, your blood may pool in veins, causing them to bulge and become gnarled. Do these veins call for an appointment with a varicose vein specialist from Cardiovascular Institute of the South in Meridian? Here are six warning signs to look out for.
Do your varicose veins make your legs feel heavy or weak? This is due to the buildup of blood pooling in your lower legs. If you are an active individual or spend long hours standing, you may feel this heaviness even more intensely.
As you stand and put extra pressure on your legs, you may experience swelling, tiredness, and pain. These sensations can make your daily responsibilities of working, exercising, and running errands much more difficult. Don’t let varicose veins decrease your quality of life! Consult with a varicose vein specialist in Meridian to learn how to alleviate this discomfort.
While varicose veins may pose more than just a cosmetic concern, it is natural to also want to minimize the appearance of these visible leg veins. With treatments such as radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser therapy, your vein specialist can close off the affected vein. Blood will reroute from the blocked vein, improving blood flow and allowing the engorged veins to shrink and sink back into the body. If you are interested in erasing these noticeable varicose veins or getting a professional opinion from a specialist, the team at Cardiovascular Institute of the South can help.
As varicose veins protrude from the skin, you may experience several uncomfortable sensations. These veins may cause your legs and ankles to swell. Your skin stretches due to this swelling as these veins bulge into the surface of the skin. This may cause your skin to become irritated, inflamed, and itchy.
Excess pressure may also cause sores on the legs, requiring immediate medical care. In other severe cases, blood vessels and water may leak from engorged varicose veins. This condition, called venous stasis dermatitis, may lead to discoloration, itching, and additional sensitivity. Even if your symptoms are minimal, don’t wait to consult with a varicose vein specialist for a professional opinion.
It is especially important to be aware of bulging varicose veins when shaving. Hot showers can cause these veins to dilate. As your skin stretches over these veins, it becomes thinner and weaker. It also makes it much easier to catch these veins with your razor. However, simply bumping, scratching, or even grazing these veins may cause them to bleed.
Bleeding varicose veins may cause serious issues. As varicose veins expand due to pooling blood vessels, they may rupture. Whether bleeding occurs externally or underneath the surface of the skin, it is important to immediately apply pressure and elevate your legs. Significant bleeding may require emergency services. If you have varicose veins that are prone to bleeding, get in touch with a specialist for treatment options.
Factors of pregnancy may contribute to the development of varicose veins. Higher volumes of blood in the body, increased hormone levels, and raised blood pressure can all inhibit blood flow in the legs. This may cause your veins to bulge and become painful, and you may even experience leg cramps or heaviness. Regular exercise, a low-sodium diet, and compression stockings are all effective ways to help manage or alleviate symptoms.
If you are expecting your first child and have developed troublesome varicose veins, schedule an appointment with your trusted varicose vein specialist in Meridian for solutions. During any following pregnancies, make sure to visit your specialist to help manage symptoms of varicose veins and prevent new ones from developing.
Even if you aren’t experiencing signs or symptoms of varicose veins, you can still benefit from a visit to a varicose vein specialist in Meridian. If you have a family history of varicose veins or clotting disorders, visiting an expert in vein care can help you spot signs of risks. Varicose veins will affect approximately 20% of all adults within their lifetime.
A family history of varicose veins can significantly increase your chances of developing this vascular disease. During a consultation with your vein specialist, your physician can monitor the condition of your veins using imaging tests. If signs of concern are present, they can help you determine a prevention or treatment plan before issues arise.
While varicose veins are not always a reason for concern, it is important to confirm this with a professional. Cardiovascular Institute of the South’s Leg & Vein Center experts help patients find relief from a variety of vascular and cosmetic concerns.
If you are searching for a varicose vein specialist in Meridian, reach out to us! We also have more than 20 other locations to serve patients throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. Request an appointment online to take the first step toward relief from varicose veins.