Are Varicose Veins a Health Concern?

Unsightly and bulging varicose veins might seem more cosmetic than a health issue. They may, however, signal underlying medical problems.

Joshua M. Berlin, MD, and our expert dermatology team offer state-of-the-art treatments for varicose veins, spider veins, and other medical and cosmetic dermatological issues at our Boynton Beach, Florida, office.

What causes varicose veins?

Up to 60% of adults suffer from varicose and/or spider veins. Raised and swollen, varicose veins evolve from twisted blood vessels. Due to weakened blood vessel walls or faulty valves, they’re found mainly in the legs. Also caused by blockages in your veins, smaller red, purple, or blue spider veins may appear anywhere on your body. 

Aside from appearance, varicose vein symptoms include:

• Throbbing
• Tingling
• Heaviness
• Swelling
• Burning sensations
• Leg cramps

Dr. Berlin offers non-invasive laser treatments to help you look and feel better quickly. 

All in the family

Many factors, such as family history, increase your risk of varicose veins. These include:

Sex: More women than men suffer from this condition. During menopause, for instance, changing hormone levels weaken the walls of your veins, laying the groundwork for varicose veins. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or while taking birth control may also increase your risk.

Weight: Obesity and being overweight strain your extremities and blood vessels.

Health: Medical issues, such as diabetes, may damage your blood vessels. Inflammation and poor blood flow from certain diseases increase pressure in your veins.

Age: As you age, your veins begin to stiffen, which may lead to varicose veins.  

Smoking: Tobacco increases your risk of varicose veins.

Lack of movement: Standing or sitting for long periods impedes circulation, which may result in varicose veins.

Although elevating your legs or wearing compression socks may help in the short term, Dr. Berlin recommends other methods, such as laser therapy, to combat the issue.

Medical issues behind varicose veins

While most varicose veins cause no serious health concerns, some may reveal deeper issues, such as:

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

Varicose veins may be a symptom of CVI, which causes valve problems that impede blood flow. When it’s more difficult for your veins to pump blood to your heart, it can lead to:

• Venous stasis dermatitis (eczema), causing swelling and skin discoloration
• Venous ulcers that take longer to heal due to a lack of proper blood flow
• Venous reflux disease (VRD)

Similar to CVI, VRD occurs when the valves running up and down your legs grow damaged or blocked, making it more difficult for blood to return to your heart from your feet and legs. Instead, blood flows backwards, pooling in your veins, causing swelling, pain, and possibly varicose veins.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 

A blood clot deep within your vein may cause a pulmonary embolism if it moves to your lungs. It may also indirectly increase the risk of a stroke. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggested varicose veins may heighten your risk for DVT. 

Hyperpigmentation

Vein diseases, such as varicose veins, may cause venous hyperpigmentation in your legs. This discoloration is mainly due to damaged valves.

How laser therapy works

Dr. Berlin employs a non-invasive laser to heal your varicose and/or spider veins. The blood in these veins absorbs laser energy, which causes them to collapse and fade, allowing the blood to return to healthier veins.

After the procedure, you should only experience minimal irritation at the site and be able to return to regular activity immediately. Long-lasting improvement appears within weeks.

Stand up to varicose veins

Varicose veins pose a problem both medically and cosmetically. The sooner you manage these, the better your chance of avoiding more serious complications.

Contact Dr. Berlin and our expert team to treat your varicose veins, spider veins, or other dermatological issues. Simply schedule your consultation today.