Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern: Here's why
Bulging veins may be unsightly, but the real threat lies in the health risks they present. Here’s what to know, according to Pamela Gambrell from UP Medical Vascular.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are visible under the skin’s surface. They occur when the valves in the veins don't function at full capacity, allowing the blood to flow backward and pool in the legs, causing the veins to enlarge.
More than being unsightly, varicose veins are indicators of an underlying vascular disease, explains Pamela, a certified nurse practitioner with expertise in the evaluation and management of varicose veins and other venous disorders.
If left unchecked, varicose veins can lead to leg pain, reduced mobility and a number of possible health complications such as chronic venous insufficiency. This may cause changes in skin pigmentation and venous ulcers that can take a long time to heal, particularly if you’ve got other chronic conditions like diabetes.
Another possible complication is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a life-threatening condition where clots develop in the diseased veins, then travel to the lungs, blocking critical blood flow. Symptoms of DVT may include pain, swelling, tenderness and warmth in the legs, although not everyone experiences symptoms.
Varicose vein treatment: Proactive & preventative
Seeking early treatment for varicose veins is one of the best ways to prevent the health risks associated with them, explains Pam.
"An assessment involves an in-clinic ultrasound, which uses sound waves to visualize the structure of your veins and the flow of blood,” she says. “This allows the medical team to detect signs of venous disease and create a personalized treatment plan accordingly.”
At UP Medical, every custom treatment plan is created with the goal of slowing the disease progression, restoring blood flow and preventing future complications from occurring.
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“Varicose vein treatments are minimally invasive procedures that don’t require any incisions, and can be easily performed in the clinic,” says Pamela. “Most patients are able to return to their normal activities on the very same day as treatment.”
Learn more
To schedule a vein assessment and learn more about how you can benefit from UP Medical’s minimally invasive varicose vein treatments, call 1.833.438.8763 or visit upmedical.com.
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