Veins are crucial for blood circulation, as they carry blood from various body parts to your heart. Unfortunately, obesity, aging, sedentary living, heredity factors, and standing or sitting for long periods can damage veins. Damaged veins can affect blood circulation to the heart, causing vein conditions like spider veins, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and more.
If these vein conditions are left untreated, they can lead to serious health complications. However, some signs can indicate underlying vein issues, and hence a South Florida Vascular Associates consultation might be necessary. Here are the key symptoms to watch out for.
- Your Legs Feel Heavy and Weak after Long Standing Periods
It is common to experience weakness and heaviness in your legs after long standing periods. However, you should not dismiss these symptoms. In most cases, leg heaviness and weakness can indicate a vein problem.
These symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing because of the extra weight placed on the legs. Keeping your legs raised is one way to resolve these symptoms. However, you should see a vein doctor if you experience serious discomfort.
- You Experience Chronic Leg Pain
Experiencing leg discomfort does not automatically imply you have a vein condition. Leg discomfort can stem from consequences of everyday activities like tiredness, aging, and fitness problems. You may also experience pain from injuries such as strains, sprains, and more.
Nonetheless, varicose veins can cause throbbing, muscle cramps, aching, and chronic leg discomfort. Therefore, if you experience chronic leg pain, see a vein doctor. Your specialist will perform an extensive diagnosis to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain.
- You Have Itchy, Dry Skin or a Rash Near The Ankle
Skin concerns like dryness, itchiness, a rash, or discoloration can signify untreated vein issues. The increased blood pressure levels in the affected veins affect blood circulation to the heart. Poor blood circulation makes your skin suffer.
If these underlying vein issues are left untreated, they could cause leg ulcers. Leg ulcers cause serious discomfort and are complicated to treat. Therefore, see your vein doctor immediately if you experience these concerns.
- Your Veins Have Turned Purple or Blue, and Are Bulging
Your veins turning purple or blue results from irritation and swelling of the varicose veins. As a result, you will develop a blood clot. This blood clot keeps blood from flowing through the vein.
Left untreated, this condition can result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can lead to life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism. Therefore, consider visiting a vein doctor if you realize your veins are changing color or bulging.
- You Are Pregnant
Hormone fluctuations are the primary cause of varicose veins, and pregnancy is notorious for these hormone fluctuations. The blood level in the woman’s body increases when pregnant as the extra blood is necessary to support the developing fetus. The surge in blood volume makes the woman’s veins enlarge, creating pressure.
This pressure, together with the added pressure of the developing baby, can lead to varicose veins. If you have experienced vein issues during your first pregnancy, like swelling, aching, or throbbing, you are also likely to experience them in your second pregnancy. See a vein specialist to keep your veins healthy throughout pregnancy.
Vein conditions like the spider and varicose veins are aesthetic concerns for most people. However, many do not realize that if not treated early enough, these conditions can also affect your health and well-being. Vein conditions raise your risk of amputation, cardiovascular illness, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions.
Do not hesitate to seek professional care if you experience any of these symptoms or suspect that you have a vein condition. There are numerous treatment options you can explore. Your doctor will create a plan to help you manage your current symptoms, and avoid future complications.
