Varicose veins usually appear as unsightly blemishes beneath the skin. However, treating those enlarged blood vessels in the body is about more than just looks. Failing to seek treatment for varicose veins can lead to serious health conditions. Many patients suffering from varicose veins experience symptoms of itchiness, pain, discomfort, fatigue and swelling in the affected leg. Most of the time, such symptoms only worsen if the patient does not seek medical help. Read on below to learn more about the treatment of varicose veins in Plano.
Why it is Essential to Treat Varicose Veins
Each case of the condition is different. Although symptoms do worsen for some patients, others may be at risk of contracting a range of more serious, possibly life-threatening medical conditions. Here are some of those conditions:
- Hyperpigmentation: If varicose veins are left untreated, they can lead to excess blood leaking into the leg’s tissues. In such a case, the patient may suffer from painful swelling and inflammation as sections of their skin becomes dark. The condition is referred to as hyperpigmentation.
- Venous Leg Ulcer: The condition of varicose veins has been known to result in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). As time passes, CVI can lead to a venous leg ulcer. That’s when a part of the patient’s skin breaks down and uncovers the flesh below. Venous leg ulcers usually become larger over time, resulting in more discomfort and irritation in the affected area.
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis: It’s a condition in which inflammation of the veins occurs just below the skin’s surface. That is caused by the weakening of the veins and reduced blood flow. An individual might experience skin redness, increasing vein tenderness and ongoing pain or swelling on the legs.
- Lipodermatosclerosis: When the leg tissues are inflamed for a long time, the tissues become sturdy and heavy. The afflicted person may feel his or her legs become tenderer, which makes it harder to move or rest. The stiffening or hardening of the tissues of the leg is known as Lipodermatosclerosis.
- Spontaneous Bleeding: Since varicose veins have a tendency to break down the skin walls over time, this might bring them closer to the skin’s surface. Sometimes, the slightest scratch can result in excessive loss of blood. Although the bleeding is typically painless, one might experience significant loss of blood if they don’t seek medical attention.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: It’s the most serious medical condition related to untreated varicose veins. Deep Vein Thrombosis usually causes a pulling sensation in the leg because of a blood clot. One might feel like their nerves are being pinched. The condition can be life-threatening if the blood clot moves further up the person’s body.
Varicose veins can be mild or severe, but those who suffer from the condition need to seek the help of a certified vascular surgeon. Leaving varicose veins untreated can bring major implications to one’s health.
How to Treat Varicose Veins
Fixing varicose veins is dependent on the severity of the condition. Most times, the affected vein is removed completely using a variety of treatment modes including endovenous laser ablation, sclerotherapy and microphlebectomy. Most of the treatment techniques are relatively pain-free and can be done in just a few appointments. It’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid detrimental consequences.
