Varicose veins are one of the most common vein issues, affecting 20-30% of US adults.
One of the treatments that’s often recommended for varicose veins is compression stockings. These specialized stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs and help improve blood flow in your lower extremities.
However, varicose veins tend to enlarge over time, and their impact on circulation often worsens. When that happens, more comprehensive treatment approaches may be needed to prevent complications.
At Zarcone Vein & Aesthetics, which serves residents of Port Washington and Gold Coast, New York, John Zarcone, MD, FACS, FACPh, RVT, specializes in vein treatment.
This article highlights seven symptoms that may indicate it’s time to move beyond compression stockings and develop a more targeted treatment plan.
Early on, varicose veins may feel itchy. If your legs feel achy and heavy, or you experience throbbing or cramping, your vein disease may be worsening.
That’s especially true if your symptoms become more noticeable during certain activities, such as exercise or working in the yard.
People with varicose veins often experience swollen legs, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Mild cases may improve with leg elevation, but persistent swelling, especially around the ankles, may indicate that blood isn’t flowing back to your heart efficiently.
Many middle-aged adults develop varicose veins due to genetics, aging, or periods of prolonged standing.
However, if you notice your veins beginning to spread or enlarge, it’s time to explore treatments beyond compression stockings. Stockings can help ease symptoms, but they can’t stop varicose veins from progressing.
Poor circulation often affects the surrounding skin. For example, you may notice that your skin feels rough, dry, or hard, especially on your lower legs and ankles.
Skin changes may signal more serious conditions, such as chronic venous insufficiency, so it’s important to get evaluated as soon as possible.
Large varicose veins can be a sign of more advanced vein disease, which can affect circulation to your legs and feet. When that happens, your lower extremities may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, which may cause slow-healing wounds.
Venous ulcers can easily become infected, so don’t wait to see us if you develop one.
Varicose veins close to your skin can start bleeding if you bump into the edge of a table or experience other trauma. They may also throb, feel warm to the touch, or become tender.
These can be signs of more advanced vein disease, so it’s important to determine the best treatment approach.
Compression stockings often ease leg swelling and pain at first, but as vein disease progresses, they aren’t as effective. If you’ve noticed that your stockings no longer provide noticeable relief, it’s time to explore alternative treatment options.
This typically includes a clinical evaluation and vascular lab testing to assess blood flow and identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Varicose veins can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life. If compression stockings aren’t helping anymore, we can recommend a more effective approach.
To learn more about your treatment options for varicose veins and other vascular conditions, contact us to schedule an appointment. Call the nearest office in Port Washington or Staten Island, New York, or book online today.
