Varicose Veins: When to Seek Treatment

Risks of Venous Insufficiency can include age, family history of the condition, female hormone levels, obesity, pregnancy, sitting or standing for long periods, and tall height.

Cause of Venous Insufficiency:

Venous insufficiency is the cause of varicose veins. It is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. Varicose veins are a common condition, especially in women but can occur in men. Approximately 25% of all adults have the condition. In most cases, varicose veins appear on the lower legs. Although varicose veins are often associated with women they are thought to be a cosmetic issue. Everyone needs to understand that varicose veins are a health concern for them as well and  that the condition will not improve without treatment.

Venous insufficiently is a malfunction in the one-way valves located in the veins, which help to keep blood flowing in the right direction. When the valves are not functioning as intended, blood can end up flowing backwards, pooling in the branches of your veins. Age and genetics are the two most common causes of this condition.

Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat but can be painful and disabling. In the beginning stages, a sufferer may not even be aware of the condition. Varicose veins is one of a wide array of venous insufficiency symptoms which include, restless legs, cramps, swollen ankles, pain, and skin discoloration.

Venous insufficiency is a progressive disease that can result in:

  • Debilitating pain
  • Loss of sleep
  • Loss of interest in exercise and enjoyable activities
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Venous stasis ulcers that are difficult to treat and heal

Keep in mind that Varicose Veins may not cause any pain.

Signs you may notice with varicose veins include:

  • Veins that are dark purple or blue in color
  • Veins that appear twisted and bulging; often like cords on your legs

When painful signs and symptoms occur, they may include:

  • An achy or heavy feeling in your legs
  • Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
  • Itching around one or more of your veins
  • Bleeding from varicose veins
  • A painful cord in the vein with red discoloration of the skin
  • Color changes, hardening of the vein, inflammation of the skin or skin ulcers near your ankle, which can mean you have a serious form of vascular disease that requires medical attention

Risks of Venous Insufficiency

Because venous insufficiency problems get progressively worse, it is best to correct them at the earliest stage possible to eliminate future complications. The best time to seek medical advice is when any symptoms become apparent. The earlier one seeks treatment, the less likely they are to experience negative consequences.

Aggressive treatment of superficial venous disease can prevent or even eliminate deep venous insufficiency.

Once any of the symptoms noted become apparent, schedule an appointment at Atlanta Vascular & Vein Center. An expert in our office will examine the veins on your legs and make a personalized recommendation. While some options are more invasive than others, the overall goal is to rid a patient of unsightly veins and correct potential future vein problems. At Atlanta Vascular & Vein Center, Amish Tilara, M.D. offers compassionate and specialized care for patients who suffer from severe vascular complications, pain due to vascular issues and the inability to perform normal daily activities.

To read more about Risks of Venous insufficiency +


Atlanta Vascular & Vein Center has two locations in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta, GA.  They serve the surrounding areas of Duluth, Lilburn, Suwanee, Roswell, Johns Creek and Milton, GA.

Note: This article is not intended to replace any type of professional medical advice. If you have pain in your legs, are experiencing vascular problems or have questions or concerns about varicose veins, make an appointment at Atlanta Vascular & Vein Center with Amish Tilara, M.D.

© 2018 Atlanta Vascular and Vein Center. All rights reserved.