Risks of Untreated Varicose Veins

When varicose veins become problematic, you may need to consider having them removed. Varicose veins are not only unsightly and likely to make you feel self-conscious, but they can lead to more serious problems like blood clots, ulcers, and even cause a pulmonary embolism. Some people consider the appearance of these purple-blue veins a typical sign of aging or weight gain, but that’s not necessarily true. The appearance of varicose veins is usually a sign of deeper problems. When you go to speak with your doctor about laser vein treatment, he will evaluate your medical condition and determine if you’re a candidate for this procedure. Below are some risks of leaving your varicose veins untreated.

Increased Risk of Blood Clots

Your veins are responsible for transporting blood through your body and to your heart. The veins in your legs work hard to provide proper blood circulation, especially since the force of gravity works against the circulation. When the valves in your veins become weakened or damaged, blood can stop circulating back up to the heart and start pooling in the bottom of your legs and your feet. People who suffer from this will experience swelling in their legs and feet, discomfort or pain when walking, redness of the skin and possibly ulcers. The more the blood pools, the easier it is for a blood clot to form. Once a blood clot develops, it can break free and travel into your lungs or heart, causing a life threatening situation.

Increased Risk of Ulcers

People who leave their varicose veins untreated will eventually see swelling and redness in the legs and feet. This can lead to ulcers, or painful sores, on the legs and around the ankles. At this stage, your doctor will recommend some form of laser vein treatment or surgical treatment to prevent your condition from worsening and causing more serious problems. For older patients who aren’t active, symptoms of venous diseases can develop more rapidly than in younger patients who are more active.

Whether you opt for laser vein treatment in the early stages of vein damage or wait until your doctor recommends treatment, you need to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of venous diseases. Ignoring varicose veins as a merely cosmetic condition could lead to life threatening problems.

For more information about receiving laser vein treatment for varicose veins, visit Chicago vein institute.

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