Varicose veins may not seem like a big deal at first glance, but what if they caused you constant, nagging pain, swelling and skin changes? That is the case for thousands of individuals in the United States who suffer from varicose veins and other forms of vein disease. If you’ve ever thought that spider vein treatment in Chicago was a luxury cosmetic surgery, it’s time to think again.
Why should vein disease matter to Chicago, IL residents?
The circulatory system in the human body is built to transport blood and nutrients throughout the body via a network of arteries and veins. Ideally, blood flows freely from the heart into arteries and then back through veins in order to pick up more nutrients. With time and various genetic and lifestyle factors, veins can become weakened or damaged, and they become less efficient at pumping blood up into the major organs.
Blood flow in affected veins can pool and stretch out the vein, resulting in the ropey varicose vein visible on the legs and other areas of the body. These problem veins may not have any noticeable symptoms at first, but they might become worse over time, resulting in pain, swelling, skin changes and more.
Advanced cases of vein disease can land you in the hospital or at least make your life miserable, keeping you from doing the things you enjoy. Varicose veins can cause aches, throbbing, heavy sensations and even ulcers. Even if you don’t see varicose veins on the outside, they may still be lurking deep inside your legs in the major veins. If pain and swelling only occurs in one leg, which could indicate a life-threatening condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT warrants immediate medical attention.
Mild forms of vein disease may not cause serious health problems, but they can cause emotional pain and lowered self-esteem. Varicose veins are not visually attractive and are a real cosmetic concern for many people who have them, resulting in embarrassment and refraining from certain activities, like swimming, for fear of being judged.
Although aging is one of the major causes of vein disease, there are certain lifestyle factors that impact your risk for developing vein disease. People who work long hours on their feet or who sit for too long have a greater risk for vein disease. Smoking and eating an unhealthy diet can also lead to hardened arteries and veins and blood clots.
Because the implications of vein disease can be great and may worsen over time without the proper treatment, it’s a good idea to seek the help of a vein specialist for symptoms such as varicose veins. Chicago patients have the opportunity to consult one of the top vein care specialists to find out more about prevention and treatment. Dr. Ramon Castro is a vascular surgeon specializing in vein removal in the Chicago area. To make an appointment, simply give us a call at 773-283-7887. We look forward to your call.