Are Varicose Veins a Health Concern?

Varicose veins are dark, bulging, twisted veins that are visible through the surface of your skin. Most commonly found on the legs, such varicosities aren’t usually a sign of a serious health condition, and are usually more of an aesthetic concern. But there are cases in which varicose veins can develop into serious health issues. 

If you have varicose veins, John Hovorka, MD, Cynthia Salinas, MD, and our expert team at Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, can help. With offices in McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, you have access to state-of-the-art treatment platforms for varicose veins, in addition to advanced diagnostic technology. 

What causes varicose veins?

The best way to understand varicose veins is to envision how your veins function normally. Each time your heart beats, it pumps oxygenated blood into your arteries, which carry that blood throughout your body. 

Your veins work to return the deoxygenated blood back to your heart. But veins don’t have an internal pumping mechanism, and the veins in your legs are moving blood against gravity. This is possible due to a series of tiny valves within the vessels. As your leg muscles contract, they help move blood upward within the veins. 

The valves open to let blood flow upward, and close to prevent blood from flowing backward within the vein. These small valves can weaken over time and malfunction, which causes blood to accumulate in the damaged vein and prevents normal blood flow. 

Most varicose veins are not dangerous

In most cases, varicose veins are more of an aesthetic issue than a health concern. If one or more veins become clogged, your body redirects blood to nearby veins. 

For most people, the main concern with varicose veins is cosmetic. They can become deep red, blue, or purple in color, and often begin to bulge or take on a twisted appearance. Varicose veins most often develop on the legs. Spider veins are similar but smaller, and can develop on the legs as well as the face. 

Many people don’t notice any other changes, but for some, additional symptoms develop. These might include:

• Throbbing or cramping sensations 
• Itchy skin along the bulging veins
• Skin discoloration around the veins
• Leg heaviness, achiness, or burning
• Leg pain that worsens with inactivity

Left untreated, most varicose veins won’t clear up on their own. But if you aren’t experiencing bothersome symptoms, treatment isn’t necessary. 

Potential complications of varicose veins

Varicose veins can sometimes cause or contribute to other issues. Ulcers, or sores, can develop near varicose veins, which can increase your risk of infection. Varicose veins can also bleed through your skin. 

Blood clotting is also a concern. When a clot develops in a varicose vein near the surface of your skin, it isn’t usually a cause for concern. But if a clot develops in a deeper leg vein, that’s called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and can be serious. A pulmonary embolism can develop if a blood clot in one of your deep veins breaks free and travels to your lungs. 

Varicose veins can also lead to a condition called venous insufficiency, or venous reflux disease. This prevents blood from flowing back to your heart properly. People with this condition often experience leg pain or heaviness. They tend to limit their physical activity and stay sitting with their feet elevated to reduce discomfort. 

But a sedentary lifestyle also increases your risk of a wide range of chronic health conditions. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help improve blood flow and keep you on your feet. 

Ready to learn more about varicose vein treatment?

If you’re bothered by the appearance of varicose veins — or if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here — schedule a visit with our team at Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC. With three offices in McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, varicose vein solutions are within reach.