3 Signs it’s Time to Treat your Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common problem, but its symptoms may be difficult to spot if you don’t know what to look for. Here are three signs that tell you it’s time to seek treatment for your varicose veins:

1. It’s painful

Varicose veins may start out as simply an eyesore, but in some cases, it can become painful to live with. Mayo Clinic noted that you may experience achy or heavy feelings in your legs, as well as swelling, muscle cramps, burning or throbbing. If you have any of these symptoms, it could be a product of your varicose veins, and a sign that it’s time to consult a doctor. However, many people that sit or stand for long hours each day may simply think these issues are part of their normal routine. Worsened or prolonged pain from these activities are also identifiers of varicose vein problems.

2. Skin changes

Any changes to your skin color or texture are signals that you require medical attention. Drying, thinning and scaling of the skin can occur as a direct result of varicose veins. You may also see discolored skin underneath your toenails as well as redness around the vein. These issues happen because veins lose elasticity and stretch over time, causing valves to become weak. Blood that should be moving toward the heart, flows backward, and pools in the veins, developing into enlarged varicose veins. Discoloration, such as blue veins, are often apparent as a result.

Hopefully your legs don’t look like this!

3. There’s a history

Your family’s medical history is a major indicator of your own risk for varicose veins and clot-related conditions. Healthy Women Community noted that people who have a genetic predisposition often end up with varicose veins, and the condition can become worse over time. It’s important to handle these situations with care because if you also have a blood-clot-related condition, you’re at a higher risk for stroke and pulmonary embolisms. Talk with your doctor about your family history and your own chances for developing these conditions.
Varicose veins aren’t just an eyesore, they can become dangerous if not treated. If you see any of these three signs, it’s time to seek advice on your varicose veins. To find out more about varicose veins and available treatments, check out veincc.com!

Lauren Pirc