If you have varicose veins, then you may be concerned about the appearance of the unsightly blood vessels. The veins typically bulge and appear dark purple in color. They can also cause a significant amount of pain. If pain is bothersome to you or if you have other symptoms associated with the veins, then you should seek out treatment. Surgical interventions can be taken. If you are unsure about whether or not surgery is right for you, then you should understand that treatments can reduce varicose vein complications. Keep reading to learn about a few of these so you can make an informed surgical choice. 

Ulcer Formation

Varicose veins in the legs can cause a multitude of health complications. One serious, painful, and common problem is the formation of venus ulcers. Venus ulcers are most likely to appear around the lower legs and the ankles. The ulcers are open sores on the body that develop due to a large amount of stress and pressure. This stress causes tissue damage, and a wound then forms. The wound can repeatedly open or ooze and may take a long time to heal properly.  

Venus ulcers will typically form as one of the lower leg or foot veins swell. The swelling places a great deal of pressure on the blood vessel, and fluid seeps out of the vein. This fluid creates a pocket underneath the skin, and this causes some of the tissue in the area to thicken. The tissues swell in the process and degrade until an ulcer forms. Ulcers like this form from the inside out, so you are likely to feel a painful area where the ulcer is developing. It is likely to appear red and swollen as well.

Compression garments and stockings are a good way to prevent ulcers and to also treat them when they first develop. If you experience some ulcer difficulties before you receive your surgery, then it is wise to seek out assistance in a timely manner before the issue worsens. Antibiotics may be needed in addition to compression garments to reduce infection concerns.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is one of the most serious complications that develop when you have varicose veins. This issue occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deeper veins in your legs. Specifically, the issue is commonly seen in one of the main blood vessels that runs through your calf or thigh. This issue is painful and feels like a nagging muscle ache or soreness. Red patches across the skin as well as a warm sensation are associated with the issue too.

While deep vein thrombosis is an issue itself, the problem can lead to more serious medical problems like a pulmonary embolism. This condition happens when a blood clot breaks off from the vein and works its way though the body until it reaches one of the blood vessels in the lungs. The clot blocks the vessel and stops blood from flowing through the lungs properly. While pulmonary embolisms can typically be resolved without any permanent problems, there is a chance that the tissues in the lungs can die. This can reduce lung function substantially.

The good news is that a deep vein thrombosis will not cause a heart attack. However, you may be advised to take blood thinners if a blood clot is noted. This can prevent the clot from building into a much larger formation that is more likely to cause a pulmonary embolism. The blood thinners can also help to keep blood moving through the affected veins. This can prevent venous insufficiency issues. Venous insufficiency can affect the way the body is able to carry wastes, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. 

For more information, contact a doctor like Dr. Mackay, Vein & Circulation Specialist.