Veins are essential for blood circulation because they transport blood from numerous body areas to the heart. Unfortunately, various factors such as prolonged standing or sitting, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetic predisposition, aging, and more can damage the veins. Damaged veins could impact the blood flow to your heart, triggering vein illnesses like spider veins, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and venous insufficiency. As such, Dr. David Jacobs Rockville Centre believes it is important for patients to understand when to seek vein care. Here are some signs that you should pay attention to.
1. Your Legs Feel Weak After Prolonged Standing or A Day’s Work
Though it might seem typical for your legs to feel weak after long hours of standing, this is not the case. This weakness may indicate vein problems. Varicose veins could cause your legs to feel heavy and weak, which is exacerbated by prolonged standing.
Raising your legs is a terrific approach to alleviate the sense of weakness and heaviness. Nonetheless, if you are having some discomfort, something is undoubtedly wrong. Often, this is the first indication that you should consult a vein specialist.
2. You Have Itchy, Dry Skin or A Rash Around The Ankle
Untreated vein disorders might manifest as skin dryness, itching, or rashes. Excessive blood pressure levels in the damaged veins cause your skin’s symptoms. These ruptured veins prevent blood from returning to the heart, causing damage to the epidermis.
If you overlook this concern, the flaky skin or unattractive rash on your legs could develop into a venous leg ulcer. Once it develops into an ulcer, you risk experiencing severe discomfort and a difficult treatment process. Therefore, if you observe any of these issues, consult a vein specialist.
3. Your Have Chronic Leg Pain
The presence of leg discomfort does not necessarily indicate vein problems. Varicose veins, though, induce leg pain, especially throbbing and aching, and the pain intensifies the more you engage in regular activities.
You should talk to a vein specialist to evaluate whether your leg pain stems from vein damage. If the discomfort is minimal and the veins do not require immediate attention, your doctor could provide compression stockings.
4. You Have Leg Ulcers
If you fail to address your vein issues, you risk getting leg ulcers, especially in the ankle and calf regions. However, leg ulcers could also result from diabetes. Therefore, you should consult a vein specialist who will conduct the appropriate tests to diagnose the cause of the ulcers. From there, your doctor can instruct you on the appropriate therapy before the condition worsens.
5. Your Veins Have Changed Color To Purple Or Blue And Are Swollen
If you observe your veins swelling and/or turning color, you must see a specialist immediately, as this is a typical sign of varicose veins. Once varicose veins develop to this extent, they might develop blood clotting, which prevents blood from passing via the vein. Left untreated, this condition could develop into Deep Vein Thrombosis, which requires more aggressive treatments.
Many individuals with varicose veins view them as an aesthetic concern rather than a health concern. However, there are some individuals whose varicose veins cause severe discomfort and anguish. In some cases, these vein issues might lead to major medical complications like leg ulcers and blood clots, which can be life-threatening. While at-home remedies like exercise, dietary adjustments, keeping legs raised, and more can help with vein problems, if your condition has progressed, you might require more aggressive treatments. Consult your vein specialist if you identify any of these signs to obtain a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
