Concerned By Skin Changes On Your Legs? It Could Be Your Veins!
Discoloration, bumps, bulges, itchiness… If you are starting to see abnormalities such as these in your legs, it could be a sign that something is happening beneath the surface of the skin. It could be a sign that your veins have stopped functioning properly and are becoming, if not already, damaged.
Different Vein Conditions
There are certain signs to watch out for that could be the result of a few different vein conditions. Here are a few of the main vein conditions that specific symptoms can indicate:
Varicose Veins: This is one of the most common vein conditions that happens when vein walls or valves become weak and/or damaged. These form in places on the body where blood pressure inside the veins is increased, i.e., if you are pregnant, overweight, experience frequent constipation, or have a tumor. Symptoms include veins that are blue or purple in color and bulging from the skin, swollen legs and/or feet, feeling aches and heaviness in the legs and/or feet, itchiness, discoloration, leg cramps, and increased pain when sitting or standing for too long of a time period. If you start to experience bleeding, this is a medical emergency and requires immediate help.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Varicose veins are actually a sign that you could also have chronic venous insufficiency, which is a condition that happens after the vein walls or valves have become damaged and no longer work to move blood toward the heart. Instead, the blood leaks backward. There are a lot of reasons for why valves can become damaged, such as general aging, reduced mobility, sitting or standing for long periods of time, etc. It’s a fairly common condition, with around 40% of people in the United States experiencing it. It’s seen mostly in people over 50, and more so in women than men. In addition to varicose veins indicating you may have chronic venous insufficiency, other symptoms include swelling in the lower legs and ankles, feelings of fatigue or achiness in the legs, skin that appears to look like leather, flakey or itchy skin on the legs or feet, or venous ulcers, which is we explain next.
Venous Ulcers: These ulcers are the result of abnormal vein function or problems with the blood flow and circulation within your legs. These common leg ulcers could be caused by a number of things, including blood clots, injury, aging, obesity, or perhaps a family history. Symptoms are similar to those of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency: swelling, achiness, tiredness, redness, pain, and irritation of the skin.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. As soon as these skin changes start to happen, it’s important to consult with a vein doctor right away. If left untreated, the problems could worsen and you may end up experiencing more pain and discomfort than you had been when the symptoms first showed up. For example, if chronic venous insufficiency isn’t treated properly, the blood vessels in the legs can burst, changing the color of the skin and making it extra sensitive.
If you are concerned about the skin changes in your legs, it can’t hurt to see a vein doctor, even if you have no history of varicose veins or venous conditions. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Fox Vein & Laser Experts is the premier vein clinic in South Florida, servicing patients from all over Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, and even those from other parts of the state and country as well.
Dr. Susan B Fox is the best vein doctor in Miami. She and her expert medical team have successfully diagnosed and treated tens of thousands of vein procedures. They’ve seen and helped with it all: varicose and spider veins, leg pain and swelling, ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, blood clotting disorders and more. Our offices in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines are equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and the newest and best minimally invasive vein procedures, such as endovenous laser ablation, ClariVein®, VeinGogh, VenaSeal™, Ambulatory phlebectomies and ultrasound guided, foam and traditional sclerotherapy.
There is no other doctor or team you want by your side when it comes to venous conditions. When you come in for your initial consultation, make sure to give us as much detail as possible about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Don’t leave out any details! We want to know about the colors you’re seeing on your skin, the way it feels to the touch, if your legs hurt in any capacity, if you experience more pain when sitting or standing versus lying down…
Every single detail is crucial to help us properly diagnose your vein condition and determine the best way to treat your particular situation. Call us today at 954-627-1045 to schedule an appointment, and let the Fox Vein & Laser Experts do just what our name suggests: be the expert.