Home > What You Need to Know About Blood Clots and Varicose Veins
Updated on May 23, 2023 by Dr. Jonathan Arad (Vein Doctor) of Vein Care Center
Varicose veins, also known as spider veins, are abnormal and enlarged veins. The condition is most common in the legs but can occur elsewhere in the body as well. Varicose veins may cause no pain or discomfort. However, they can be an indication of other medical conditions such as blood clots and venous insufficiency.
So what are the things you need to know about varicose veins and blood clots? Varicose veins could be a sign of blood clots, which should be treated as soon as possible. But if your varicose veins are diagnosed to just be superficial ones, then they’re mostly harmless. The better news is that you don’t need to live with varicose veins — there are treatments available that will help make them less noticeable or eliminate them altogether.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and tortuous veins. The valves in your leg veins don’t work properly anymore, which means that the blood isn’t moving back up to your heart. Instead, it pools in your legs and causes swelling.
The main cause of varicose veins is damage to the valves in the veins. They can also be caused by pregnancy or obesity as these conditions put extra pressure on the blood vessels in your lower body.
Varicose veins are usually blue or purple in color. However, they can also appear red or dark brown. Varicose veins may be uncomfortable, itchy and sore. If you have varicose veins, you might feel pain in your legs when standing or sitting for long periods of time and they may become tender to the touch.
Varicose veins are a sign of possible blood clots. A blood clot can be dangerous and may be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you have varicose veins, it’s important to see your doctor right away and get tested for blood clots.
There are ways to prevent varicose veins from developing by getting more exercise, taking care of your body, and not sitting for long periods of time.
The risk of getting a blood clot and varicose vein can also be reduced by:
When it comes to varicose veins, there are a lot of things that can increase your risk of developing them. Things like age, family history and certain medical conditions can all play a part in the development of varicose veins. Other factors include pregnancy, menopause, weight gain or loss, and genetics.
While there is no natural cure when you develop a varicose vein, you can prevent and reduce their appearance. A few simple lifestyle changes can help you avoid developing these unsightly bulges in your legs.
Be sure to exercise regularly to keep your body healthy and strong. You should also eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you need help losing weight, talk with your doctor about options like weight-loss surgery or dietary supplements that may be right for you.
If you are interested in interventional treatments for varicose veins, come to the Vein Care Center. We use the latest technology to treat varicose veins and help you feel confident again. Our physicians and nurses have been trained, so you can be confident that you are receiving expert care when you choose us for your vein problems.
Endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to shrink and seal the vein. It can be done in the doctor’s office or in an outpatient surgery center. This procedure takes 30 minutes to one hour, and most patients return home afterward without any pain or swelling. You will probably have to wear compression stockings all day for two weeks and then at night for four weeks after that.
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting a chemical solution into the varicose vein. The solution causes the lining of the vein to swell, which blocks blood flow. The chemical solution can be injected through a needle or with a catheter. You should also ask your doctor about any special instructions you may need. For example, you may need to wear compression stockings after the procedure.
You might need to avoid exercise for several days after the treatment. With that, your doctor will let you know when you can go back to your normal activities and exercise routines, but it’s best not to rush this process so that your veins have time to heal completely before getting back into physical activity again.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure that removes varicose veins where your doctor will insert a small incision into the affected area and remove damaged veins using small instruments attached to long thin tubes. They’ll then stitch up any remaining wounds from where they were working on you before sending you home with bandages until they heal completely.
Echosclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound to inject a solution into the vein. The solution causes the vein to collapse, which reduces blood flow through the vein. This helps reduce the risk of varicose veins returning. This treatment is performed under a local anesthetic and requires no needles.
Varicose veins and instances of developing a blood clot can be easily treated even before they develop. These veins normally protrude at certain parts of your body caused by different factors such as your lifestyle, weight, and age. Fortunately, Vein Care Center can help you address your vein-related health concerns and make you feel confident again.
At Vein Care Center, our team of specialists can help provide the right and most effective vein treatment for you depending on your needs. Get your vein conditions treated safely and precisely to improve your overall vein health by scheduling an appointment with us today.
Dr. Jonathan Arad has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.