More obvious and potentially more troubling than spider veins…
Varicose veins have a distinctive blue color and a thicker, ropelike appearance under the skin. They develop mainly in the legs, when valves in the veins become weak and allow blood to flow backward, pooling in the veins. This in turn causes the veins to stretch and bulge.
Varicose veins are often a hereditary condition and can result from a variety of triggers, including prolonged standing, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, obesity, aging, or menopause. Varicose veins present with worse symptoms than spider veins, including pain, cramping, fatigue, itchiness, blood clots, or ulcers. And while some symptoms can be managed with conservative therapy, early treatment is advised as many symptoms can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.
In rare cases, varicose veins can form away from the skin’s surface, causing a patient to experience the symptoms without the visible evidence of the bumpy, blue vein. If you are concerned you might have varicose veins, call the Vein Center to schedule a screening.
If varicose veins are negatively impacting your quality of life, go straight to the highly trained professionals to get the best care. At the Vein Center, all our physicians are board-certified in both general surgery and vascular surgery, so you can trust that you’ll walk out feeling and looking your best.