In the circulatory system, your veins are blood vessels that are responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood back into the heart. Veins are less muscular than arteries and tend to be closer to the surface of the skin. When the veins are unable to properly regulate the flow of blood, the blood can collect and clot, causing the veins to swell. These swollen veins that appear on the surface of the skin are called varicose veins.
Varicose veins are often a dull red or blue color, and may appear raised above the surface of the skin, resembling swollen, twisted cords. This can often cause bothersome and painful symptoms. The reasons why our veins appear purple or blue is because oxygen has been removed from your blood before it travels back in your heart. Unfortunately, certain conditions can cause your veins to not move blood back into your heart properly from your legs, such as when the one-way valves located along the blood vessels begin to function improperly, causing pressure and congestion in your veins. The veins tend to enlarge or look swollen, which is what varicose means.
Treatment of varicose veins has come a long way since the primary varicose vein treatment was vein stripping. Doctors used to pull the varicose veins out of the skin through small incisions. Today, there are a variety of treatments to choose from. If you are experiencing any of the following, it’s best that you see a doctor right away:
· Pain from your veins disrupts your everyday life
· You have leg pain and discomfort
· Your veins are swollen, bleeding, warm, or sore
· You feel embarrassed to show off your legs in public
· You have a rash or sores
Your doctor will often be able to diagnose that you have varicose veins just from a quick evaluation of your legs while sitting and standing. You may need to answer some questions about your symptoms and the type of pain you are feeling, and the doctor may request that you have an ultrasound test to examine the blood flow in your veins.
Do you feel that you may be developing or suffering from varicose veins? Seeking help is the first step towards diagnosing the problem and getting the proper treatment for your varicose veins. Neglecting to get help could lead to severe circulatory problems and even blood clots.
Varicose veins could simply be an aesthetic issue to be fixed, or it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Give yourself some peace of mind and consult with an expert in the field of diagnosing and treating varicose veins. Call the Vein Institute & MediSpa in Kingwood, Texas today at (281) 312-0208 to request an appointment, or request an appointment online.
