Varicose veins can surface anywhere in the body but are most common in the legs. They are veins that have experienced a pooling of blood due to weakened vein valve or walls causing the vein to become enlarged. Varicose veins are not considered a serious medical condition but their symptoms can alter activities of daily living and they do have the potential of developing into a more serious health concern if not cared for properly. Most varicose veins occur near the surface of the skin with the chief complaint being cosmetic from varicose vein sufferers. However, in rare occurrences, they develop deep within the leg.
Here are some things you need to know about deep varicose veins:
- They are less common than varicose veins near the surface of the skin. Muscles in the leg aid in blood flow by contracting and pushing the blood against gravity and up the leg returning to the heart. Clearly, muscles surround veins found deeper in the leg while veins found near the surface do not receive as much assistance from leg muscles. This added support in keeping blood moving through the deep veins helps prevent pooling blood and symptoms of varicose veins.
- Symptoms of deep varicose veins are similar to superficial veins. You are much less likely to have visible signs of deep varicose veins but as with those on the surface, they can cause swelling or aching throughout the leg.
- Deep varicose veins have an increased chance of developing a blood clot. While blood clots from varicose veins are rare, there is a risk for this complication especially within veins deep in the leg. Blood clots form when blood thickens and clumps together. Symptoms of a blood clot include pain, swelling, and redness of the leg. If you experience symptoms of a blood clot, call your physician.
- Treatment is similar. Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation, and ambulatory phlebectomy are all acceptable treatments for deep varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is not used to treat deeper veins; however if you also have superficial veins or lingering spider veins, sclerotherapy may be included in your treatment plan.
Premier Vein Clinics is the largest group of board-certified vascular surgeons in the Knoxville area. If you are experiencing painful symptoms of varicose veins, call Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville today at (865) 588-8229 or request a consult online.