Health

Untreated Varicose Veins Complications

The large and twisted veins mainly may initially only be unsightly. Varicose veins primarily affect the legs due to increased pressure, especially with extended standing periods. Varicose veins Port Saint Lucie can cause leg pain, heaviness, itching, soreness, cramping, and burning, affecting productivity. If you leave the veins problem untreated, you are also at risk of developing serious complications, which can even be fatal. Among the potential complications that emphasize the need for prompt varicose veins treatment include:

Blood clots

Varicose veins impact blood flow, making it harder to flow correctly back to the heart. This results in pooling mainly in the legs since the blood flows against gravity, which requires healthy veins. The stagnated flow cause superficial (phlebitis) and deep vein clots, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can be severe since the clots could travel through your bloodstream, reach the lungs, and cause blockage. This is called pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal and among the most severe risk of untreated varicose veins.

Excess bleeding

The bulging veins on the legs are under significant pressure, making them vulnerable. They can easily be injured when you bump or cut your leg, resulting in rapid and profuse bleeding. You may have a hard time struggling to stop the bleeding considering the pressure and compromised vein health. Among the measures that can help are lying down, leg elevation, and applying direct pressure. You should also seek medical assistance if it takes longer to stop the bleeding. Raptured veins can cause significant blood loss, resulting in loss of consciousness or even death.

Ulcers

Leg ulcers are mainly a result of compromised vein health, and varicose veins and venous insufficiency are the main culprits. Symptoms, including pain, rash, itching, swelling, and skin discoloration, characterize the ulcers. Caring for the ulcers can be overwhelming, including daily dressing changes and dealing with chronic drainage, often accompanied by a foul smell. Leg ulcers take longer to heal, exposing you to an increased risk of infection and other complications. This means you are likely to miss out on a lot, including social life and work.

Varicose eczema

Varicose eczema results from the affected blood flow, depriving your skin of oxygen and other vital nutrients. Varicose eczema symptoms include pain, itching, swelling, scaly rashes, redness, skin darkening, discoloration, and thickening. The skin damage is often seen in the lower leg region and can even occur without apparent varicose veins symptoms, referred to as deep or hidden varicose veins. As such, you should seek medical attention for a vein circulation scan if you spot such signs to establish if you have deep varicose veins.

Varicose veins can cause more than aesthetic blemishes, with the potentially life-threatening compilations emphasizing the need to seek immediate treatment. Early treatment is not as overwhelming since measures like compression stockings, weight loss, and some lifestyle adjustments could suffice. If the damage is extensive, you may need treatments like radiofrequency ablation to destroy the affected veins. Visit TLC Medical Group Inc today for more on varicose veins, treatment, and recommendations to avoid complications.