This is Why you Treat Varicose Veins Quickly

Why should you quickly treat varicose veins? Well, we all know that varicose veins are an unsightly problem. And,  if left untreated, they may cause pain or discomfort. But did you know that leaving your varicose veins untreated can cause you to develop varicose veins in other areas of your body? Unfortunately, it's true!

According to a study published in The Journal of Venous Diseases, untreated varicose veins in the pelvis can cause women and men to develop the same problem in their legs. Previously, the connection between pelvic and leg varicose veins was only established for women. With this new research, however, it becomes clear that men are also at risk.

Furthermore, reports from Harvard Health reveal that when you don't treat varicose veins, you can develop pain, inflammation, rashes, skin discoloration, bleeding, infections, blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Plus, you may experience fatigue with varicose veins, making it difficult to get through your day. The skin around your ankles and calves can change color, becoming dark or even growing thicker. Finally, your lower leg skin could become red, inflamed and tender. Left untreated at this point, you could develop venous ulcers.

Treat Problem Veins at their Root

Because 20% of women with varicose veins in their legs also have pelvic varicose veins, vein doctors now strongly recommend treating the pelvic veins before doing anything about women's legs. Now, men who have testicular varicose veins will be told the same thing: treat your pelvic veins before addressing any problems in your legs. If the legs are treated first, it is highly likely that the varicose veins will reappear.

What does this mean for male patients with varicose veins? Let's look at how this finding should affect treatment protocols.

A New Approach to Varicose Veins

Leg veins are pretty easy to examine and treat. After all, they're usually right near the surface of your body. That makes it easy to spot any problems, usually with a simple ultrasound. Pelvic veins, especially in men, are much harder to spot, because they are buried deep within your body.

While full vein scans are not necessary for every patient experiencing varicose veins, looking beyond the legs may be crucial for treating some individuals--especially men and women with recurring problems. In other words, if the varicose veins in your legs keep coming back after treatment, you may have to look beyond the valves and veins in your trunk. According to the new evidence, a pelvic vein scan may be the only way to stop your varicose veins from coming back!

Tattoos and Varicose Veins: A Dangerous Combination

Now here's a scary idea we want to shoot down. Some people decide to get tattooed on top of their bulging veins. Because, in their minds, covering up is easier than treating varicose veins. But here's the problem with that plan.

First of all, any time you get a tattoo, you run the risk of infection. And that risk increases when you tattoo over a vein. Because the tattoo needle may puncture your vein--especially if it already bulges. In turn, you'd experience bleeding and leave yourself more vulnerable to invading germs and infections.

Even worse? If that happens, your varicose veins may look worse after the bleeding resolves. So, instead of camouflaging your bulging, twisted veins, this plan could just call more attention to the area.

Want a better plan to improve your vein's appearance? In our Houston vein clinic, we are prepared to offer comprehensive vein scans. With a careful examination, Dr. Fox and Dr. Hardee will get to the root cause of your varicose veins. They will treat you appropriately to prevent your problem from becoming a repeat offender. If you can't seem to get rid of your varicose veins, and you want to solve the problem for good, contact our office for an immediate consultation.

Sources:  Journal of Venous Diseases