What are Varicosities?
Have you been diagnosed with varicosities? If so, you may be wondering what this means. Varicosities, also known as varicose veins and venous varicosities, are twisted, enlarged veins at the skin surface. They usually develop in the lower extremities and typically appear swollen and raised, and with a bluish-purple or red color.
Did you know that varicose veins are not just cosmetic but that they can also cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms? Additionally, the presence of varicosities can indicate underlying vein disease, or venous insufficiency. While vein disease is not in itself considered a serious condition, it can lead to dangerous health issues if it is not treated.
Below, we provide a wealth of information on varicosities, vein disease, and minimally-invasive vein treatment. If you suspect you have a varicosity, we recommend visiting a vein specialist for a full medical evaluation.
What Is a Varicosity?
A venous varicosity, or varicose vein, develops when veins aren’t functioning properly. Veins have tiny, one-way valves that are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood to your heart.
When vein valves are strained, they are unable to operate effectively. As a result, your blood can begin to back up in certain regions and eventually the blood begins to pool in place. Most times, the legs or lower extremities are affected.
These veins, over time, can expand and develop into varicose veins or varicosities. You may experience painful and uncomfortable symptoms as well as visible varicosities.
Warning symptoms of vein disease include:
Swelling in the legs and ankles
Tired, aching legs
Numbness or tingling sensation
Difficulty standing for long periods
Non-healing wounds on your legs
Burning in the calf or thigh
Leg pain that improves when you walk or raise your legs
If you suffer from any of these problems, it is important to contact your doctor or a vein specialist. When left untreated, varicosities have the potential to lead to dangerous health conditions like blood clots and venous ulcers or leg ulcers which are caused by problems with blood flow or circulations in your legs.
One serious type of blood clot that can occur is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT is considered potentially life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Another issue that patients with advancing varicosities can develop is a venous ulcer. These are open, non-healing leg wounds that place you at risk for skin and blood infections.
To avoid potential complications related to vein disease, we recommend consulting with one of our vein specialists.
Causes of Leg Varicosities
As discussed above, varicosities can develop when vein valves are placed under strain. This strain can occur as a result of both lifestyle and genetic factors. Developing varicosities in pregnancy is also quite common.
Known risk factors for varicosities include:
A family history of varicose veins
An unhealthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
Getting older
Pregnancy
Being a woman
Other health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
Smoking
A poor diet
Lack of physical activity
Prolonged periods of standing or sitting
If you are concerned about your vein health, we suggest contacting your doctor to receive personalized recommendations. Certain lifestyle modifications like losing excess weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet may help reduce your venous risks. Additionally, minimally-invasive vein treatment can improve or even eliminate symptoms of varicosities.
Treatment for Varicosities
If you believe you have a varicosity, the best thing to do is consult a vein specialist for personalized recommendations. Unfortunately, varicosities will not disappear on their own and can put you at risk for dangerous complications. Because varicose veins are a progressive disease you don’t want to wait and ignore them.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.