- Worsening of the Symptoms
Symptoms such as pain, heaviness, tiredness, numbness, swelling of the ankles and legs and also fatigue will continue and may get worse over time. This may make it hard for you to continue with some of your daily activities.
- Ulceration
When the symptoms get worse over time, a venous ulcer may develop on the leg. A venous ulcer is the breakdown of the skin which is affected by the varicose veins. Venous ulcers occur due to improper functioning of the venous valves that are supposed to prevent the backward flow of blood. The resulting wound can be very painful and difficult to heal.
- Hyper pigmentation
This occurs when blood that pools into the varicose veins leaks into the skin as the veins cannot tolerate high pressure. Since the blood is depleted of oxygen and nutrients, the skin becomes dark and discolored and this can be seen on the skin where the blood has leaked into the tissues. Swelling will also be present.
- Superficial Thrombosis
This is an inflammation of the vein right below the skin and is caused by decreased blood flow through the vein. It usually causes redness of the skin. The vein will also feel warm, tender and firm. This may be accompanied by swelling and pain when moving the leg.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
This is a formation of a blood clot in the deep leg vein. The blood clot is known as thrombus. The clot is formed due to the slow blood circulation in the damaged vein which then accumulates and provides a way for a clot to form. The condition is very serious since it can lead to permanent damage of the leg or lead to pulmonary emboli – which is a life-threatening complication.
- Lipodermosclerosis
This is a condition which results after hyper pigmentation. The blood that has leaked into the tissue and caused dark discoloration becomes inflamed. If this is not treated, the tissue becomes firm and woody. The hard and woody tissue is what is known as lipodermosclerosis.
- Spontaneous Bleeding
Some people may experience spontaneous bleeding from the varicose veins which usually occurs at night or in he shower. Sometimes it starts when people rub their leg with the hill of the other leg or shaving their legs. This condition develops because the skin covering varicose vein becomes progressively thin, until it totally disappears and the vein becomes exposed to the air.
Remember, there is more at stake than just looking good.
All of these are easily preventable!
If you would like to know more about vein conditions and the treatments that are available. You will also be able to schedule an appointment with a vein specialist for a complimentary consultation and ultrasound examination.
