Varicose Veins | More than Just a Cosmetic Issue

Varicose veins, a common condition affecting millions globally, often manifest as visible vein swelling on the surface of the skin. Characterized by twisted and enlarged veins, this condition is not only a cosmetic concern but also an indication of underlying venous disease.

Picture yourself gearing up in your swimsuit and getting ready to go to the beach since the Covid-19 pandemic has lifted. You have your cooler filled with your choice drinks, designer sunglasses, sunscreen, and you are ready to put your toes in the sand.

Are you embarrassed about your bulging purple or red patches of varicose veins and tired of hiding them? Summer fun with friends and family often means shorts and bathing suits, especially in hot, humid climates like Florida. If you suffer from the discomfort and embarrassment of varicose veins, you may be wondering if laser vein treatment can help.

Venous insufficiency is a disease process which can affect all age groups. The older the group, the higher the prevalence. The overall prevalence of the disease is 25-40% for women and 10-20% for men. For any age group, women are more commonly affected than men. The annual occurrence rate is 6% and 1.9% for women and men, respectively. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 40% of people in the U.S. have venous insufficiency with varying degrees of symptomatology.

Spider, reticular, and varicose veins are often the first and most visible signs of an underlying long-lasting venous disorder. Their appearance, pattern, position within the different skin layers, and size (diameter) are the main features that define these abnormal veins. Spider veins or telangiectasias are enlarged blood vessels of less than 1 mm in diameter within the dermal layer of the skin.

While varicose and spider veins are a result of damaged vein valves, disrupting your normal blood flow and causing it to pool, there are some differences between the two and their causes.

While varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body, they are most commonly found in the lower legs. These large protruding veins are extremely common, affecting about 20-30% of the general adult population, and even at a higher rate the older individuals.

Even if varicose veins aren’t causing you any pain, you might be considering treatment options because of how they make you feel. They most often appear dark purple or blue and some patients state that it keeps them from enjoying their normal lifestyle because they want to avoid their legs or feet from being shown. The good news is that your podiatrist is able to help treat varicose veins so you can get back to being your best, active you.