Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins that can be seen and felt right under the skin. They commonly occur on the legs, and are present in up to 30% of people.Sometimes, they really are just a cosmetic issue, which is most often the case with spider veins. Spider veins are a smaller version of varicose veins that can appear as red or blue lines in a webbed pattern. Varicose veins and spider veins differ, largely because varicose veins can lead to more serious health problems. And if your varicose veins are painful, it’s important that you don’t ignore them.
Varicose veins form when the one-way valves in the veins that are designed to prevent the backflow of blood become leaky and blood pools in the veins. Or, for various reasons, the vein walls may become weak and unable to handle the pressure from the increased amount of blood. These factors are thought to lead to the enlargement and twisting of the veins, which ultimately results in the appearance of varicose veins.
Varicose veins can significantly impact quality of life, and up to 70% of people with them will have leg symptoms beyond just appearance. Painful varicose veins should not be ignored.
Why Painful Varicose Veins Should Not Be Ignored?
Painful varicose veins can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a blood clot, an open sore or a skin infection. If you have a varicose vein that is becoming or has become painful, it could be a clue that something more serious is happening and you should see your interventional radiologist.
Painful varicose veins can get worse, and as they worsen, you can develop new complications as a result. Hidden dangers to be aware of if you don’t treat varicose veins include:
Leg Swelling
Skin Ulcers
Skin Infection
Bleeding
Thrombophlebitis
Take Action Against Vein Disease
The best time to take action against vein disease or seek treatment for vein disease is when you first notice the symptoms. However, it is never too late to restore your quality of life through vein disease treatments.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation? What is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
Endovenous procedures are treatments that occur within the veins. Radiofrequency or laser energy is used to heat and irritate the inside of the vein, causing it to scar and, eventually, clot off. This redirects blood flow to other healthy veins. While this can lead to improving the appearance of varicose veins, it is also particularly helpful to treat painful or uncomfortable leg symptoms that can be the result of varicose veins.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation may be excellent options for you. If you have large varicose veins that are causing you problems, and you are hoping to avoid surgery, set up a consultation with an interventional radiologist of IRCC Pakistan who specializes in endovenous treatment of varicose veins.
