Varicose veins are diseased or abnormal blood vessels that have become dilated and swollen. These large, bulging veins are usually seen in the legs.
They are typically red or purple in color, and run through the length of the legs, just under the skin surface. Varicose veins can affect anyone, but are more commonly seen in women in the age group of 30 to 70.
Patients may want to get varicose veins treated for cosmetic reasons or to avoid discomfort and other medical concerns. The Desert Vein & Vascular Institute (DVVI) which is a pillar of the community, led by board certified vein specialists Dr. Pushpinder Sivia and Dr. Son Ha Yu, provides varicose vein treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and La Quinta.
Symptoms
One in three persons in the US is likely to suffer from varicose veins. Women in general, mothers with multiple children as well as obese individuals are at a higher risk of varicose veins. Sometimes these veins may initially show no symptoms, but may cause discomfort at a later stage. While these veins may not cause any pain, the patient may note the following symptoms that signify varicose veins:
- Blue or dark purple colored veins
- Bulging and twisted veins, typically appearing like cords on the legs
- A heavy or achy feeling in the legs when painful signs occur
- Swelling, muscle cramping, throbbing or burning sensation in the lower legs
- Worsening of pain after standing or sitting for a long time
- Itching around one or more of the veins
- Bleeding from some of the veins
- A painful cord in the vein with red discoloration of the skin
Change of color in the vein, hardening of the vein, skin ulcers near the ankle or inflammation of the skin indicate that the patient may suffer from a more severe form of vascular disease requiring timely treatment from a qualified vein expert.
Symptoms of Phlebitis
If the varicose veins are painful, the symptoms will typically worsen through the day and may be partly relieved by wearing compression stockings or by elevation. But sometimes clotting may occur in the varicose veins, which can make the area painful, hard, hot and discolored.
This condition is known as phlebitis, which is an uncomfortable but temporary occurrence that will improve on its own in two to three months. Clots associated with phlebitis are restricted to veins on the surface, and do not pose the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
A shower or minor trauma can cause a varicose vein to burst and bleed. If the patient experiences skin tears or ulceration, it is indicative of a serious case of varicose veins. The patient should see a vascular surgeon who will inquire about their medical and family history. They will perform a physical exam, which may include gentle probing of the affected sites on the legs.
A painless ultrasound will be performed to diagnose the varicose veins. The accomplished and innovative DVVI receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Inland Empire, Riverside, California, and other cities and towns in this part of SoCal for varicose vein treatment.
For more information on vein disease, call the vein specialists at Desert Vein and Vascular Institute today at 1.800.VARICOSE to schedule an appointment.