More Severe Symptoms with Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a very common medical condition throughout the world.  Nearly one in every four women has this problem in America, and these numbers rise with age.  Sometimes, these veins are harmless and you won't even experience any symptoms.  Other times, however, varicose veins can become dangerous.  When this happens, it's certainly necessary to consult with a medical expert and to see about having the veins removed.  Here are some ideas about the symptoms that are more dangerous than your ordinary varicose vein symptoms.

Varicose Vein Complications

Just because you have varicose veins does not mean that they are a problem or that you are at risk of developing larger problems.  There are a number of issues, however, that can lead to complications with varicose veins and that need to be watched closely and understood.  These include Thrombophlebitis, DVT, bleeding and chronic venous insufficiency.

Thrombophlebitis and DVT

Over time, as the blockage of the vein continues, the skin closest to the surface can become both painful and red.  While this isn't overwhelmingly dangerous, it can become quite uncomfortable.  The more dangerous situation that is similar is called DVT. This condition, meaning deep venous thrombosis, can cause very sudden leg swelling which is serious enough to need medical attention.  While this is not a common occurrence for people with varicose veins, there does seem to be a slight increase in risk for people with varicose veins to develop DVT.

Bleeding

Since varicose veins are large, swollen and full of blood, they can easily bleed if they are close to the surface and are bumped or cut.  If the bleeding can't be readily stopped, it may require medical attention.  If you find that a varicose vein in your leg is bleeding, immediately lie down, raise your leg up as high as you can and apply pressure to the area that is bleeding.  Seek medical attention if you can't get the bleeding to stop.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Varicose veins indicate a problem with the flow of blood in the veins.  Sometimes, this can get in the way of the skin's exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste products with the blood.  When this occurs over a long duration, it's called venous insufficiency.  This condition can cause a number of problems including varicose eczema and venous ulcers.  Varicose eczema creates a discoloring of the skin that can be permanent, creating either a brown or purple hue.  Venous ulcers happen when a small wound, usually near the shin or ankle, doesn't heal and can cause an ulcer.  Neither of these conditions is a given simply because you have varicose veins.  They can, however, become symptoms of more severe problems associated with varicose veins. If you experience symptoms that move beyond the normal varicose vein symptoms, then it's certainly time to see a doctor.  Your doctor can help you to determine if you do, indeed, have a more severe collection of symptoms with varicose veins and if there are treatments that would help your condition.