Finding varicose veins on your legs can cause a huge blow to your self-esteem. These bulging, twisted veins are unsightly and may force you to keep your legs covered up. Unfortunately, varicose veins aren’t only a cosmetic problem: they can also have a negative impact on your overall health.
What does a Chicago vein specialist have to say about the health impact of vein disease?
Varicose veins are most commonly formed by poorly functioning veins. When functioning properly, your veins transport blood from your extremities back to your heart. When functioning improperly, however, they may allow blood to pool downwards. This backpressure can put strain on veins closer to the surface of the leg, causing bulging varicosities. While these varicosities are unsightly, the risk of serious complications constitutes an even larger problem for many patients.
Many patients suffering from varicose veins in Chicago find that their varicosities are accompanied by swelling and a feeling of achiness. The swelling may be caused by fluids pooling in the legs and ankles. A feeling of tiredness in the legs is another common symptom most often felt by patients who work a standing occupation. The combination of pain and tiredness cause many vein disease sufferers to forgo regular exercise. Not only are patients putting themselves at risk for a number of health problems by living a sedentary lifestyle, they also miss out on the positive effects exercise has on relieving swelling.
Even seemingly minor symptoms of vein disease can put a patient at risk for a serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a type of blood clot that has an increased chance of breaking off from a vein wall and traveling through the blood stream. If a clot reaches an important organ (such as the lungs, heart, or brain), serious or potentially fatal damage can occur. Consulting with a vein expert in Chicago (such as Dr. Ramon Castro) can give you access to screening tools that may be able to alert you to the presence of blood clots before they become a serious complication.
The benefits of Chicago vein treatment
Whether a patient is concerned about vein disease’s cosmetic impact or its health implications, taking advantage of vein treatment can help. Working with a Chicago vein specialist allows patients to learn more about the root causes of their circulation issues, giving them a chance to pursue treatment that may help. Today’s vein treatments are safe, effective, and virtually pain-free, allowing patients to enjoy healthier, better-looking legs without unnecessary discomfort or hassle. Most patients are able to return to their daily routine very shortly after their procedure is over, making treatment possible for even the busiest of schedules.
While vein disease can certainly have an aesthetic impact, it should not be considered merely a cosmetic issue. The implications on health should also be carefully considered by anyone deciding whether to undergo vein treatment. At Chicago Vein Care Center we encourage our patients to educate themselves as much as possible before making a choice about vein treatment, which is why our knowledgeable and compassionate staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. To learn more about how vein treatment can help, give our office a call at 773-283-7887.