Are Varicose Veins a Sign of Poor Circulation?

You’ve got varicose veins. The unsightly rope-like purplish veins on your legs may cause the skin around them to bulge outwards. While most varicose veins aren’t dangerous, it is a progressive condition. 

You may have also noticed you often have cold hands or feet even though the temperature isn’t that cold. Your circulatory system may not be functioning as well as it should. Sometimes varicose veins can impede your circulation. 

Our board-certified radiologists at REDI Diagnostics Corp in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, treat many cases of varicose veins and other vein problems. If you’ve got varicose veins and think they may be affecting your circulation, we’re here to help. 

Problems with varicose veins 

Varicose veins don’t resolve on their own. Your varicose veins are likely to worsen over the years. Without treatment, any of the following symptoms associated with varicose veins can occur: 

• Heavy-feeling legs 
• Swelling in your legs
• Aching legs
• Itchy legs
• Excessive bleeding from a scratch that hits a varicose vein
• Discolored skin
• Leg ulcers, which are wounds that don’t heal easily

Varicose veins and circulation 

Your circulatory system moves nutrient-rich blood through your arteries all the way to your fingers and toes. The blood moves back to your heart through your veins. 

Blood has to flow against gravity as it moves upward toward your heart. The veins in your legs have valves that open to move blood upward with every beat of your heart. These valves prevent your blood from flowing backward between heartbeats. 

Sometimes your valves don’t work properly. The most common reasons for faulty valves include your genes, pregnancy, obesity, and long periods of standing or sitting. 

With varicose veins, faulty valves cause your blood to pool in your veins. Your veins can’t withstand the pressure of the excess blood, so you develop bulging veins running up and down your legs. Your legs may feel heavy in addition to other symptoms. 

Your circulatory system likely isn’t functioning as well as it should. Your veins aren’t carrying sufficient blood to other veins in your extremities, which can lead to venous insufficiency. 

Other problems that can develop from varicose veins 

Varicose veins bleed easily if you have a cut or minor wound. However, poor circulation hinders healing. You’re at risk for wounds that turn into leg ulcers when your varicose veins are left untreated. Don’t wait to seek treatment until your varicose veins pose a danger to your health. 

Treatments for varicose veins 

Modern medicine has effective treatments for eliminating problematic varicose veins. We offer endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and Varithena™ to close up your damaged veins and provide relief from your symptoms. Our radiologists discuss which treatment is right for you. 

Call REDI Diagnostics Corp or book an appointment online today for expert varicose vein treatment.