Are My Varicose Veins a Health Concern?

Varicose veins' twists and bulges are very common and usually not a medical problem. That said, they can cause bothersome symptoms, and severe varicose veins can fuel potentially serious conditions.

A solid treatment plan can resolve your varicose vein concerns while protecting your vascular health. 

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, provide effective varicose vein treatments for your health and emotional ease.

Let’s take a closer look at varicose veins, including signs you’d benefit from treatment. 

What causes varicose veins

Varicose veins form when the walls of normal veins weaken. As blood pressure increases in the vein, the walls stretch, and the valves meant to keep blood flowing properly don't work as well. The result is pooled blood that causes bulging, swelling, and twisting.

While anyone can develop varicose veins, they’re more likely with increasing age, during and after pregnancy, and if you carry excess weight. Sitting or standing for lengthy amounts of time also raises your risk.

Varicose vein symptoms and complications

For many people, varicose veins are only a cosmetic concern. That said, varicose veins can cause challenging symptoms in your legs and feet, such as:

• Aches and soreness
• Burning or throbbing pain
• Heaviness in your legs, especially after exercise
• Itchiness
• Muscle cramps, particularly at night
• Throbbing

Hormonal changes associated with menstruation may intensify your varicose vein symptoms. If you develop the veins during pregnancy, they may diminish after you’ve given birth. 

Left untreated, severe varicose veins can cause venous bleeding, blood clots, and sores (ulcers) on your skin. Continual sitting during a long flight can worsen varicose vein symptoms and raise your risk for deep vein thrombosis, a dangerous blood clot condition.

Varicose vein treatments

Conservative treatments, such as elevation and compression stockings, often provide sufficient relief for mild varicose vein symptoms. For especially bothersome or severe varicose veins, removal options include surgery and minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. Elyaderani customizes varicose vein treatment plans based on your symptoms, overall health, and preferences. Beyond conservative options, he may recommend injection therapy (sclerotherapy) or laser therapy to close off the veins and reroute blood flow.

He can also recommend appropriate lifestyle changes to ease discomfort, prevent new varicose veins, and guard against related health risks. For example, practices like staying active, avoiding tobacco products, and maintaining a healthy weight can help.

To learn more about varicose vein complications or get started with effective treatment, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.