Are Varicose Veins a Health Threat?

If you have varicose veins, you’re not alone. Almost 25 percent of Americans have them. Varicose veins are those bulging, rope-like blue or purple veins that run down your legs. You can feel the uneven texture they give your skin as you run your fingers along them. 

But are they dangerous to your health? 

Our board-certified radiologists with REDI Diagnostic Corp in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, let you know if you’re at risk because of your varicose veins. And they offer innovative treatments that can whisk those unsightly veins away and remedy the symptoms that come with them. 

How did I get varicose veins?

There are numerous risk factors for developing varicose veins. If you have a job that requires you to stand all day (think teacher, factory worker, warehouse worker), you’re at risk. Interestingly, if you’re too sedentary (think sitting all day at the computer), you can also develop varicose veins. 

Being overweight is another risk factor, as is aging. Varicose veins may develop after a leg injury. Pregnancy and smoking are also risk factors. If you’re young and you have them, your genes are likely to blame. 

Bothersome symptoms of varicose veins 

Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic problem. They can cause troublesome symptoms. After a long day of standing, for example, your legs may ache or throb. You may experience muscle cramps. Your skin might itch around the vein. Your legs may feel abnormally heavy when you walk.

When varicose veins can be dangerous to your health

Sometimes varicose veins can be dangerous to your health. Before it gets to that point, your radiologist with REDI Diagnostics Corp can treat your troublesome veins and eliminate them. 

If you have changes to the color of the skin around your varicose veins, a rash, swelling, or a break in the skin, you need medical attention right away. If you experience chronic swelling in your legs, you may develop leg ulcers — open sores which are difficult to heal. 

On occasion, although not frequently, varicose veins deep within your skin can develop blood clots. If a clot breaks off and moves upward to your lungs, you could have a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition. 

Treatment for varicose veins 

Your provider at REDI Diagnostics Corp performs tests to determine the level of blood flow in your legs and the structure of your veins. We have several minimally invasive treatments we use to eliminate those unattractive and bothersome veins. We discuss options with you and make a recommendation for treatment. 

Call REDI Diagnostics Corp or book an appointment online today for expert treatment of varicose veins. Don’t wait until your veins worsen and your symptoms are severe. We can eliminate your problem veins now.