While varicose veins may seem like a cosmetic problem, they can also be the cause of leg pain, skin problems and other medical issues. Varicose veins do not always show above the surface of the skin, so even symptoms that might seem unrelated like leg swelling, discomfort, itching, tired or easily fatigued legs should prompt a visit to a vein specialist. Your leg problems might be easily correctable! The sooner that you receive treatment for a vein problem, the easier the problem is to treat. Early treatment can prevent some of the permanent skin changes that can accompany long-standing vein disease. With modern technology, vein treatment is now minimally invasive and easy from which to recover.
When your veins fail to move the blood from the feet back to the heart, the blood will begin to pool. This is called venous stasis. Once a vein begins to leak backwards, pressure in the vein increases and the situation usually worsens. The tiny valves in the veins that help the blood continue against gravity stop working. Blood backs up further and a vicious cycle continues. The veins become engorged or swollen with blood that does not have much oxygen. The reason the veins look blue or purple is because the blood is deoxygenated. The vein should be bringing blood to the heart and lungs to be re-oxygenated, but instead it begins to act as a reservoir. This puts stress on the tissues around the vein and the areas of the leg and foot that the vein is supposed to be serving.
Veins become weak for several reasons. The main reason is heredity. If your parents or grandparents have varicose veins, there is a good chance you will also develop them. Other causes are:
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, puberty, menopause and taking birth control pills
- Obesity that puts too much pressure on the legs, causing the veins to overwork
- A sedentary lifestyle without much exercise
- A job in which you sit or stand for hours, causing the veins to overwork
- Injuries to the vein from trauma or blood clots
Some of the main reasons to seek vein treatment are:
- Pain and soreness of the lower legs
- Leg swelling
- Restless legs
- Problems with fragile veins getting easily injured and bleeding
- Inflamed skin from blood clots in the veins
- Skin breakdown or to prevent the development of venous ulcers
- The improved appearance of your legs when the varicose veins are gone
Once your veins are treated, the symptoms should be eliminated. The aches and pains, fatigue, swelling in the lower legs and ankles, itching and burning and cramps improve. For the vast majority of patients, symptoms from varicose veins are gone immediately after treatment.
At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, we offer several different kinds of treatments for both spider and varicose veins. During a consultation with our specialist, you can learn about the severity of your condition. A diagnosis may be given and a vein treatment recommended. Once the affected veins are removed via vein treatments, the blood will naturally flow through healthy veins.
If you already have problematic veins or you suspect you may be developing varicose veins, it is in your best interest to receive treatment immediately. Your overall venous circulation will improve as well as your overall health. Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta is located in Alpharetta, just off of GA 400 on North Point Parkway. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options for vein treatment.