Varicose Veins 101: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Vascular Specialist

For most people, varicose veins are simply an inconvenient cosmetic issue. They usually show up on the calves of your legs, and can be various shades of blue or purple. They may be mostly flat, or they might protrude or bulge. Varicose veins may or may not be dangerous.

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed can evaluate your varicose veins and let you know if you should pursue treatment from a medical standpoint or if you’re a candidate for cosmetic treatment. Here’s what he wants you to know.

Causes of varicose veins

Varicose veins show up when a vein carrying blood back to your heart gets damaged in some way. In most cases, the core problem is damage to the valve inside the vein, which is supposed to be one way. When a valve is damaged by increased pressure inside the vein, it lets your blood backflow and pool up.

Valve issues in your veins are usually caused by increased pressure inside the vein, which makes it harder for the blood to circulate. Risk factors for varicose veins include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having high blood pressure
• Having a sedentary lifestyle
• Being over 50 years of age
• Having a past or family history of vascular problems

Knowing the symptoms of varicose veins can help you understand when it’s time to visit a vein specialist.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Symptoms of varicose veins usually start with the veins becoming more visible and starting to bulge upward and outward. They may look twisted or knotted. However, this isn’t a cause of concern on its own. More serious symptoms of varicose veins that may require treatment include:

• Heaviness and/or aching in your legs
• Muscle cramps, swelling, throbbing, or a burning feeling in your legs
• Pain in your calves that worsens after standing or sitting for a long time
• Itching around a varicose vein
• Skin color changes around a varicose vein

One or more of these symptoms indicate that you may need to see a doctor about your varicose veins.

Treatment for varicose veins

Untreated, varicose veins may cause no additional issues — or they can worsen. One of the two most common serious complications of varicose veins is ulceration, which may occur when a varicose vein is close to the surface and the skin is thinner (like around your ankle).

The other is formation of a blood clot in a vein deep inside your leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.) A blood clot can potentially lead to a life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE) if the clot breaks free and travels through the circulatory system to your lung.  

Dr. Ahmed provides a variety of treatments for varicose veins. Most center around closing off the damaged vein ahead of the valve, and redirecting blood flow to a nearby, healthy vein instead. 

For more information on varicose veins, call Apex Endovascular at 970-508-8439, or book a consultation online today.