When is the right time to see a specialist for varicose veins? That usually will depend on the patient and other health risks they may have. However, a good rule of thumb is early evaluation in order to avoid serious, and sometimes dangerous, varicose vein risks.
The fact of the matter is, the longer you wait to seek varicose veins treatment, the more severe symptoms and complications become. The patients we meet with who suffer the most from leg pain, sometimes to the point of complete immobility, generally were not evaluated early on when varicose vein symptoms were more minimal.
By waiting to see a vein specialist, several complications can occur including, but not limited to the following.
- Skin Ulcers: One of the most common indications that varicose veins have reached a serious condition are the appearance of ulcers or open sores on legs. What causes leg ulcers? The high pressure in your legs from poor blood circulation, manifested by varicose veins, may damage skin to the point that ulcers begin to form. These can become even more serious when ulcers are untreated and become infected. In this case, see a medical professional as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
- Leg and Ankle Edema: Swollen legs and ankles are sometimes referred to as edema. Blood is unable to circulate back up through a patient’s body and instead collects in legs, ankles, and feet. With that increased blood volume, veins begin to bulge as fluid builds up, eventually leading to extreme swelling. Elevating legs can help blood flow and reduce swelling, but long periods of sitting, standing, and walking will only bring that edema back if patients continue to delay varicose veins treatment.
- Skin Discoloration: The skin surrounding varicose veins will eventually begin to be inflamed and change in pigmentation when varicose veins have reached a point when seeing a specialist becomes necessary. Skin will feel rougher and thicker as it darkens, a clear indication that treatment should be sought out.
- Blood Clots: Many of our patients ask us, “Can varicose veins cause blood clots?” They can, yes, but not every varicose vein will lead to dangerous and sometimes life-threatening blood clots. However, the longer blood collects in varicose veins, the higher the likelihood of a patient developing blood clots. Check if skin feels tender, warm, or turns red, in which case medical treatment should be sought for immediately.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Varicose Veins
Before symptoms get that severe, look for early signs that you may be suffering from venous insufficiency and the onset of varicose veins.
For example, your skin may begin to itch more. While itchy skin causes range far and wide, it is also commonly an early symptom of varicose veins. You may also experience frequent leg cramps or other leg pain that begins to inhibit daily activities.
Wear compression socks for varicose veins to help reduce other varicose veins symptoms, exercise regularly, and establish healthy eating patterns like avoiding foods high in sodium. Such lifestyle changes can help alleviate pain and get blood circulating. But it’s always best to see a varicose veins specialist near you for an early evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Don’t Wait Any Longer!
The best course of action for your health is to seek varicose veins treatment and evaluations as early as you can. That being said, it’s never too late to get back your active lifestyle and healthy legs! If you never received an early evaluation, come in now to get rid of varicose veins and its serious health risks.
Heart of Dixie Vein and Vascular Center offer patients minimally invasive and less painful treatments unlike laser treatment for varicose veins that many other St. George vein centers predominantly use. For years, we’ve helped patients with minor to extreme varicose veins symptoms find relief.
Come visit us, preferably before symptoms reach a point where they become unbearable and even pose a dangerous risk to your health. Schedule an evaluation today!
