The blood vessels in your limbs work harder than other vessels in the body. As a result, they often develop issues like spider and varicose veins. There are effective interventions, such as vein ablation and sclerotherapy Houston, for managing venous conditions. This article outlines health complications and potential treatments for varicose veins.
Spider and varicose veins
Spider veins are red or blue blood vessels emerging from under the skin. They typically form a pattern that resembles a spider’s web. It usually does not cause pain, but some cases of spider veins may lead to complications.
The principal difference compared to varicose veins is the size of the blood vessels. Varicose veins often cause symptoms such as skin irritation and fatigue.
Varicose and spider veins occur due to problems with the valves in the blood. Blood flows out of the valves in the affected vessel becomes limited and the condition can cause health issues if it remains untreated.
Potential complications with varicose veins cause
Most cases are only cosmetic and do not pose health threats. However, some patients may experience several complications.
Uncontrollable bleeding
Since the blood tends to pool around the valve, bleeding can occur if the vein is punctured. Sometimes a bump against the skin can trigger bleeding. The bleeding is often challenging to contain and may lead to blood loss.
You can prevent excessive bleeding by elevating your foot above the injured site. If the bleeding persists, consult your doctor immediately.
Stasis ulcers
Statis ulcers occur when the blood vessels do not supply sufficient blood and oxygen to your limbs. Blood accumulates around your ankles, stressing the skin and causing sores to form.
Without proper care, stasis ulcers may cause an infection. The condition often requires treatment for the wound to heal completely.
Certain factors can increase your risk of ulcers and health issues. They include:
- Tobacco consumption
- Lack of exercise or physical activities
- You are overweight or obese
- Conditions like diabetes
Blood clots
Blood clots may occur around the vessels affected by varicose veins. The clotting can trigger inflammation around the area, causing tenderness and swelling.
If you notice throbbing and swelling, you may have deep vein thrombosis. DVT is more dangerous than vein inflammation. Pregnancy, limited mobility, and pregnancy can increase your risk of DVT.
If the clot moves away from the site, it may cause a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. That is when the clot obstructs blood circulation in the lungs. Pulmonary embolism can be fatal in extreme cases.
Varicose veins potential treatments
The treatment for varicose veins will depend on your diagnosis. Compression stockings can strengthen the blood vessels and address pain symptoms.
Another treatment is sclerotherapy which involves introducing a solvent into the vessel. An ultrasound generates images to help your specialist locate the affected area. The solution forces the blood vessels to close and re-route the blood through another vein.
Sclerotherapy takes approximately half an hour to complete. Your provider will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. The veins typically collapse three to six weeks after treatment.
To learn more about sclerotherapy and other treatment options, call Houston Vein Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.
