Spider veins and varicose often get attention because they are unsightly. But even if you had varicose veins, a trip to the doctor won’t really be your initial reaction. After all, apart from their looks, they might not even cause an immediate bother.
When neglected, however, this problem can go beyond just the cosmetic. Err on the side of caution. Learn more about the common, more serious disorders that stem from vein issues.
Poor Circulation
As blood faces stronger resistance from damaged veins, the overall circulation of blood throughout the body is affected. This can lead to excess fluid in the extremities and, to some degree, a more strained circulatory system. Varicose veins often arise because of bad circulation. Unfortunately, they can also agitate the problem.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Also known as DVT, this is the most troubling condition on this list. The poor circulation mentioned above could contribute to the development of this issue. Usually identified by a pulling sensation in the leg, DVT gets worse over a short period of time. It can travel to the upper body, harm vital organs and even cause death.
Discoloration, Pain, and Inflammation
Varicose veins can leak blood into surrounding tissue, discoloring skin as well as cause swelling and pain. Called hyperpigmentation, several areas of the skin can become dark and discolored which makes the problems more visible.
Ulcers
When fresh blood doesn’t flow freely along the legs, varicose veins can escalate into venous leg ulcers. The increased pressures in varicose force liquid out of the veins that flow to the skin. When this happens, the leg swells and thickens. Eventually, they can turn into skin ulcers that happen when skin begins to break down.
Hardening of Leg Tissues
Varicose veins can inflame leg tissues for quite a while. This prolonged stress can result in firmness in the legs. Lipodermatosclerosis can cause pain and the formation of a constricting band on the legs. Relaxing the legs is, thus, harder to do.
Veins play a very important role in the circulatory system. They bring blood back to the heart. With varicose veins, the flap that protects against backflow fails. While many varicose conditions post no immediate harm, their development and continued stress to the blood flow can develop into bigger problems.
