Skip to main content
Call Us Book Online

Are My Varicose Veins a Health Concern?

Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC Blog Are My Varicose Veins a Health Concern?
Are My Varicose Veins a Health Concern?

Varicose veins are a problem that affects about 23% of the United States population. They’re enlarged blue or purple blood vessels that most often appear on the legs just beneath the skin and sometimes bulge or form contorted shapes.

While they may cause you no issues other than appearing unsightly, varicose veins can sometimes point to an underlying circulation problem that deserves medical care.

At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we often hear patients ask whether their varicose veins are simply cosmetic or a health concern. The answer depends on your symptoms, overall health, and what’s happening inside your veins.

The causes of varicose veins

Inside your veins are small valves that help keep blood flowing back to the heart. When these valves weaken or stop working, blood can pool in the veins, especially in the legs. Over time, this extra pressure causes veins to stretch, twist, and become visible.

The following factors can increase your risk of developing varicose veins:

Some people have visible veins with no other symptoms, and in many cases, varicose veins don’t cause pain or significant health problems. If your veins aren’t causing discomfort or skin changes, they may not require medical treatment.

However, even symptom-free varicose veins are still worth investigating. Vein disease can progress slowly, and early evaluation helps prevent future complications.

Signs your varicose veins may be a health concern

Varicose veins become more than a cosmetic issue when they cause symptoms or skin changes. Warning signs include:

These symptoms indicate chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where blood flow in the veins is significantly impaired.

What problems might varicose veins or CVI lead to?

Left untreated, varicose veins and CVI can lead to more serious complications, including:

Venous ulcers

Venous ulcers are open wounds that form due to long-term poor circulation.

Skin infections

Infections like cellulitis can spread through the tissues and become a serious problem.

Bleeding

Varicose veins close to the skin can rupture after minor trauma.

Blood clots

Vein conditions raise your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which could block blood flow in your legs.

These issues aren’t inevitable, but they’re more likely if you ignore vein disease or don’t manage it properly.

Evaluating your varicose veins

A proper evaluation is essential to understanding whether your varicose veins are a health concern. At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, this includes a physical exam and a noninvasive ultrasound scan.

An ultrasound enables us to assess how blood is flowing in your veins and whether the valves are working correctly. This information helps determine whether you need treatment and which option is best for your specific condition.

Varicose vein treatment

Modern vein treatments are minimally invasive and focus on improving circulation. By closing or treating unhealthy veins, blood re-routes through healthier veins, reducing pressure and symptoms. Options we offer include:

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy treats damaged veins by injecting a medication directly into the vessel, which causes the vein walls to seal shut; eventually, your body absorbs the remaining tissue.

Varithena™

Varithena is an advanced foam-based vein treatment. The foam spreads throughout the targeted vein, allowing for more complete treatment of larger or irregular veins.

ClosureFast™

ClosureFast utilizes radiofrequency energy to close unhealthy veins safely from the inside. A thin catheter delivers controlled heat to the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal.

VenaSeal™

VenaSeal seals diseased veins using a medical-grade adhesive. Unlike heat-based treatments, it doesn’t require multiple numbing injections along the leg.

Treatment can help relieve pain, swelling, and fatigue, while also lowering the risk of future complications. Patients are typically delighted by how much better their legs feel and look with no varicose veins.

Seeing a specialist about varicose veins

You should consider visiting a vascular specialist if your varicose veins are painful, worsening, or causing changes to your skin. Early care can prevent complications and often leads to better outcomes, needing less treatment in the future.

Even if you’re unsure whether your symptoms are severe, an evaluation provides peace of mind and clear guidance. And of course, you can choose to undergo vein treatments to improve your appearance.

Varicose veins aren’t always a health concern, but they can be, so paying attention to symptoms and seeking expert care protects your leg health long term.

At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we’re committed to helping patients understand their vein health and find solutions that work for them. Call one of our Maryland offices or schedule a consultation by completing the online form today.

You Might Also Enjoy...