Signs It’s Time to Visit a Vein Doctor
After your arteries circulate oxygenated and fortified blood to the cells throughout your body, your veins circulate the “used” blood back to the heart and lungs for refortification and reoxygenation – and then the process begins again. The veins in the legs are especially far away from the heart, and when it pumps, the pressure isn’t always enough to pump all of the blood back upward; and when this happens, the blood can pool in the vein, causing varicose veins and uncomfortable pressure.
This can cause pain, swelling, and warmth in your legs, which are top signs that it’s time to visit a vein doctor for an evaluation and possible treatment. Other signs include the following:
Constantly Dry and Itchy Spots on the Leg or Ankle
Skin that appears dry and flaky can become itchy, and this is often a sign that the blood is not fully returning to the heart. This is a vein problem, and without proper circulation, the skin will change in appearance.
You will want to have the issue treated before skin ulcers develop, which occurs when a vein bursts through the skin and creates an open sore. Once it reaches this point, the vein issue will be more painful and difficult to treat than when the vein is still contained under the skin, usually creating varicose veins.
Blue or Purple Varicose Veins that Are Twisted and Bulging
If your veins start to turn bluish or purplish, or if they start to twist and bulge, these are varicose veins. Varicose veins are not just an aesthetic issue – they can cause a risk of developing a blood clot due to the blood sitting and wallowing in a vein where it pools and bulges.
Leg Pain
Prominent veins – such as bulging varicose veins or lots of spider veins – accompanied by leg pain or pressure, warrants an evaluation by a vein doctor. A vein doctor will first recommend the most conservative (noninvasive or minimally invasive) treatment to mitigate your leg pain.
Pain AND Swelling in One Leg
If you have fluid retention in one of your legs, it may be due to vein issues caused by poor circulation in that leg. Varicose veins can cause the pain and swelling. A vein doctor can recommend treatment that will work best for you to relieve the swelling and discomfort.
Experienced Vein Doctor in Kansas City and Marshall, MO
If you have varicose veins, spider veins, or pain or swelling in one or both legs, triple-board-certified vein specialist Dr. Scott Darling of Missouri Vein Specialists will evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your medical issue, and give you recommendations for possible treatment.
Dr. Darling is widely considered the best vein doctor in Kansas City. If you would like to make an appointment with Dr. Darling, call our vein clinic today at (816) 792-3400 or fill out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to serving you!
