Swollen and twisted, varicose veins resemble raised, dark blue tunnels on the legs or ankles. Approximately 23% of U.S. adults have varicose veins—roughly 22 million women and 11 million men, according to Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association. A staggering 2 million workdays are lost each year, with an annual treatment cost of $3 billion, due to chronic venous ulcerations, a complication of varicose veins.
Fortunately, there is a solution: Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to avoid worsening symptoms and serious complications.
It’s time to see a doctor if:
Self-care stops working
Some people can manage or decrease their discomfort with exercise, leg elevation, or wearing compression stockings. If discomfort increases despite these measures, or if your veins worsen, it’s time to call a vein expert like Dr. Surya Challa to carefully assess your condition and determine the optimal course of treatment. Burning, throbbing, swelling, muscle cramping, and itching are not symptoms to ignore.
Skin becomes discolored
One of the possible complications of varicose veins is a skin ulcer, which can form on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near the ankles, as the result of a long-term build-up of fluid and an increased pressure of blood within the veins. The first sign that a painful skin ulcer may be forming is discolored skin. See your doctor immediately if you start to notice discoloration.
A leg suddenly swells
The sudden development of swelling indicates that a vein deep within the leg has enlarged with blood. This could be a sign of a blood clot, which needs urgent medical attention.
Entrust your vein health to a vein expert! Board-certified vein surgeon Dr. Challa has the experience and expertise to help relieve your vein concerns with minimal downtime and maximum ease. Call 757.663.5461 or complete our online consultation request form today.