Are Varicose Veins a Serious Medical Problem?

Not all varicose veins are symptoms of serious medical conditions. Some are simply annoying cosmetic issues that develop in up to half of the adult population. But you can't know until you seek medical attention. 

If you’re looking for a specialist you can trust in the Bowling Green, Kentucky area, Danny Harrison, MD, FACS at Sky Vein & Aesthetic is board certified in general surgery.. With three decades of experience, he’s a leader in the field of venous disease and oversees our highly qualified team at Sky Vein & Aesthetic.  

If you have varicose veins, it’s best to come in and see us. Our offices are comfortable, professional, and equipped with the most advanced technology so we can treat your vascular issues with care and accuracy. We can let you know if your varicose veins pose a medical problem or if they’re simply a cosmetic issue. Either way, we can help reduce or eliminate them.  We accept most insurance.

Varicose veins 101

If you have the telltale signs of varicose veins — ropy, bluish bulges that become visible in your legs and feet — you’ve probably wondered what causes them and if they’re something to worry about.

Varicose veins are enlarged, dilated veins that become so overfilled that they disrupt the smooth surface of your skin. When your veins function normally, blood flows through them in one direction, toward your heart, and is prevented from going the other way by a valve. If the valve malfunctions, your blood flows back in the wrong direction and pools.  This pooling can cause your legs to swell, hurt, and be restless at night.

 Why are varicose veins most common in legs and feet?   The muscles in your legs squeeze the deep veins to move blood back to the heart. This muscular pump must overcome both a faulty valve and gravity, and the veins lose the battle.

Common causes of varicose veins

As your body ages, your circulation is less efficient and your veins become weakened. Hormones also play a role. Varicose veins can affect anyone, but some are more susceptible than others. You’re generally considered at greater risk if you: 

• Are age 50 or older
• Stand or sit for for hours at a time
• Are pregnant
• Are menopausal
• Take birth control pills
• Use hormone replacement therapy

Varicose veins also tend to run in families, so if your parents or grandparents have them, there’s a good chance you’ll get them, too.

We can help!

When you come see us, we start with a history and physical exam of your legs.  This is followed up with an ultrasound evaluation. Ultrasound is a test using sound waves that allows us to evaluate how well your blood flows through your veins.  With ultrasound we look for those faulty valves that allow blood to pool in your legs.

Preventing and treating varicose veins

The best way to avoid developing varicose veins is to keep your weight in check and exercise regularly to maintain healthy circulation. 

If you already have varicose veins, make sure you take breaks from long periods of sitting and standing. Compression stockings can help, too. 

If we determine that your varicose veins are a medical concern, or if you just want to get rid of them, we offer several highly successful, safe, and nonsurgical procedures to reduce or eliminate them. After our examination, we can help you decide which of these procedures is right for you.

Don’t live with unsightly visible veins. Call us today or book an appointment online and get some peace of mind.