Achiness in the legs, bleeding, clotting or changes in colour near the ankle. These are all common symptoms of varicose veins. Though there are many theories on why they happen, the accepted explanation is that they develop due to leaky valves into the veins. The blood that should be moving from the leg up the heart—even when standing—starts to flow back with gravity and there’s no valve to stop it.
Are There Risk Factors?
Yes; there are several. Here are some common ones:
- Genetics. Varicose veins often run in families but no specific genes identified.
- Pregnancy. Someone with leaky valves can get worse with pregnancy and the varicose veins manifest more because of the increased pressure.
- Standing or sitting for a long time. These actions can create pressure in the legs, resulting in varicose veins. If you have leaky valves, the condition can worsen. Regular exercise such as gentle walking can be helpful for someone prone to getting varicose veins.
The Potential Downside to Ignoring Varicose Veins
Varicose veins affect your leg circulation to a degree, and when they are there for a long time, they can cause skin changes and progress to skin ulcers. Some patients might get clots which can be dangerous if they spread to the deep veins systems of the body.
Even if your varicose veins aren’t bothering you, it’s always good to get them checked. The younger you are the more likely you’ll need them checked because the problem doesn’t rectify itself. They don’t get better with time.
Schedule a Consultation Today
We find that many people put off getting their varicose veins checked because of various distractions such as work, family situations or other healthcare concerns. For your peace of mind, you are welcome to come in for a consultation with Brisbane vascular surgeon Dr Maged Aziz.
He can assess the severity of your varicose veins and make recommendations. Another advantage of seeking care is that, if you get checked early enough, you may be a suitable candidate for state-of-the-art treatments such as Radiofrequency, VenaSeal and laser therapy. Book your consultation at Advanced Vascular today!
