Varicose veins and spider veins affect more than 20% of American adults–most of them women. If you notice that these veins are causing painful, annoying, or embarrassing symptoms, it may be time for a consultation with an experienced and caring vein surgeon.
Let’s talk about five issues that indicate that it’s time to see a vein doctor for an evaluation and possible vein treatment, and where you can go in the Tampa Bay area to see an outstanding vein doctor who can make your legs smooth and healthy again.
#1: The Appearance of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins Is Embarrassing
Varicose veins can appear on the feet, ankles, and legs. They are twisted and rope-like, and they are usually a deep purple/blue color.
Spider veins are smaller, flatter versions of varicose veins, and they can be equally embarrassing – especially when you want to wear shorts or a bathing suit. The good news is that a vein doctor can help you get rid of these veins so your legs look clear, and this is usually done through a simple in-office injection treatment into the vein.
#2: Your Legs Hurt or Ache
Varicose veins and smaller spider veins form because of inefficient and weak valves within the blood vessels themselves. These tiny valves help the blood to flow in the proper direction, upward toward the heart – but if they fail to work properly, blood can pool in the vein, and this causes the vein to enlarge in the area.
Pain and cramping can result from this lack of proper circulation in the veins. These aches and pains tend to occur particularly at the end of the day, or after periods of prolonged standing or sitting in one position.
#3: Your Legs Feel Tired or Restless
People with varicose veins often develop a feeling of fatigue in the legs. You may also experience uncomfortable, twitchy sensations called restless leg syndrome (RLS), especially during the night when you are trying to sleep.
The symptoms of restless leg syndrome include:
- An urge to move the legs and feet
- Aching
- Electric-feeling sensations
- Feelings of crawling up and down the legs
- Extreme itching
#4: You Have Skin Color Changes on Your Legs
Poor circulation in areas of varicose veins can cause swelling, redness, and extreme itching in the area. These symptoms can lead to ongoing changes in skin color and texture, but this can be successfully treated and alleviated by a vein doctor.
#5: You Develop Leg Ulcers
If a varicose vein or spider vein breaks upward and through the skin, it causes an open wound. If this happens with a spider vein, the wound heals quickly because the sore is so small – but with a varicose vein, it can result in an ongoing open sore that warrants medical attention.
This type of leg ulcer can also easily become infected, which is all the more reason to have it treated professionally, not just by wrapping it with bandages. You will likely be prescribed short-term antibiotic treatment.
Vein Surgeon in Tampa, FL
Dr. Edward Mackay is the right vascular surgeon to see if you are experiencing leg pain, varicose veins, spider veins, or other circulation issues. Dr. Mackay pioneered many operatives and non-operative procedures for treating vein conditions, and he can help you determine what treatment you need to have the healthiest veins possible.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mackay, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (727) 781-5652 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!