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My Varicose Veins Don’t Hurt — Should I Still See a Doctor?

It’s easy to simply view varicose veins as unsightly blemishes and nothing more — especially if you’re not experiencing any uncomfortable symptoms. While everything from significant pain to mild skin irritation is associated with varicose veins, some patients experience little to no discomfort at all. This leads them to believe that there’s no reason to seek out a doctor to address the condition. 

However, no matter what varicose vein symptoms you are or aren’t experiencing, it’s important to visit your doctor if you notice the appearance of swollen, discolored veins. Read on to learn why it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Why You Should Visit a Vein Specialist

While some people may consider varicose veins to be only a cosmetic concern, having them checked out by a doctor helps prevent any symptoms from worsening. A vein specialist will recommend treatments that can keep the condition from getting worse or eliminate your varicose veins entirely. 

The Dangers of Untreated Varicose Veins

Varicose veins often become itchy or painful if left untreated. In addition to causing discomfort, they can pose more significant health risks as well. Some of the conditions that can develop as a result of varicose veins are: 

• Deep Vein Thrombosis. This is the most serious condition associated with varicose veins. DVT causes a blood clot to develop in a vein deep within the body, often in the legs. If that clot travels farther up your body, especially to your lungs, it can become life-threatening.
• Spontaneous Bleeding. Over time, varicose veins typically break down the skin walls, bringing the veins closer to the skin’s surface. This means that even the slightest scrape or scratch can lead to excess blood loss. 
• Skin Ulcers. Painful ulcers can form on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near your ankles. A leg ulcer develops when an area of skin breaks down to reveal the flesh beneath it.

While it’s critical to seek out a vein specialist if you see signs of any of the above conditions, it’s better to address your varicose veins before they can develop into serious health complications.

Varicose Vein Treatments

When it comes to varicose vein treatments, there are a number of available options. Some are self-care solutions like exercising, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings, while others are based around surgical interventions. Depending on your specific circumstances, your vein specialist can recommend the best treatment option for you. 

At the Kimmel Institute, we offer a variety of evidence-based treatments for varicose veins. Some of our services include: 

• Laser Ablation. During this procedure, a laser is used to close the varicose vein. This non-surgical treatment is fast and easy and patients can return home with virtually no pain afterwards. 
• Foam Sclerotherapy. This procedure involves injecting a specialized foam into damaged veins to achieve closure. The foam solution can often work better than a straight vein-closing solution because the micro bubbles are better able to displace the blood in the vein. 
• Ambulatory Microphlebectomy. This is a good choice for people who have large, visible veins given that it involves removal of the damaged veins themselves. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves minimal discomfort. 

At the Kimmel Institute, there are many virtually painless options for vein treatment or removal. Our specialists will consult with you to determine the option that best fits your circumstances. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have varicose veins, even if they aren’t causing you any pain. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your vein health.