Your varicose veins may be unsightly enough to keep you out of shorts and bathing suits, but is it really worth the time, effort and money to treat them? This is a debate many varicose vein sufferers have as they contemplate eliminating the swollen vessels completely or simply learning to live with them. While a comprehensive assessment can ultimately tell you whether vein treatment would be beneficial, the staff at the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin has a number of good reasons to consider vein treatment even before your examination takes place.
It’s More than Cosmetic
Varicose veins are often more than a simple cosmetic concern. These bulging vessels are often an outward sign of an underlying vein condition known as chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. This condition occurs when small valves inside the vessels stop working properly, which allows blood to back up into the vein instead of flowing in a single direction to the heart. When CVI is left unchecked, it can worsen over time. This is why vein treatment sooner, rather than later, may be recommended to stop CVI before significant symptoms develop.
You Have Pain
Varicose veins can be more than unattractive, they can also be painful. You might feel heaviness or aching in your legs, particularly at the end of the day. The pain may also keep you from participating in some of the active pastimes you have always enjoyed. You may discover that elevating your legs for a period of time in the evening relieves the pain and pressure – often a sign that CVI is present. Some sufferers also experience swelling of the lower extremity, which further exacerbates the discomfort.
Your Skin is Changing
Increased pressure inside of varicose veins can do more than damage the vessel itself. The damage can also spread to surrounding tissue, which may become evident on the skin’s surface. You may begin to notice the skin around the vein becomes irritated and itchy. Over time the skin’s color and texture may begin to change as tissue damage leads to a brown, leathery appearance. If the cause of the skin change is not treated, large, open sores known as venous ulcers can form from even the smallest nick or cut to the skin.
Your Veins are Interfering with Your Sleep
Some varicose vein sufferers find out those bothersome vessels start to act up as soon as they are ready to retire for the night. Once in bed, you might experience cramping of the legs that can be intense at time. You may also notice a restless feeling in the legs that gives you the irresistible urge to move them. Known as restless leg syndrome, this condition can be severe enough in some individuals to actually prohibit them from getting a good night’s rest.
Procedures are Quick and Comfortable
Despite the embarrassment and even physical discomfort, some varicose vein sufferers simply won’t pursue treatment because they believe any procedure to treat their veins will take them out of commission for a period of time. While that has been true in the past when surgical treatments were the only solution, today’s non-surgical procedures can be performed quickly and almost painlessly. Treatments can be done using local anesthetic and patients are usually back to activities the same day or the day after their procedure.
Don’t suffer with unattractive varicose veins that are interfering with your comfort and your quality of life. Contact the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin at 800-910-8346 and find out how we can help you say goodbye to those bulging veins for good.