Question 1

are varicose veins dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Can be: If you have longstanding, untreated varicose veins and complications that we call chronic venous insufficiency, you can develop a venous leg ulcer from that.  Although not usually even potentially dangerous, unless they become infected (which is rare), they can be very difficult to deal with.  Phlebitis is more common in varicose veins and it is possible to get a deep vein thrombus from that.

Question 2

how to cure unsightly varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

Options: Depending on the size of the varicose veins, you could try butchers broom or horse chestnut supplements, or may need to see a vascular surgeon for treatment.  There are some laser treatments, but not sure you'd be a candidate without evaluation. Best bet is to see vascular surgeon.

Question 3

how do you treat large varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Stripping or removing the vein.

Question 4

what can i do to treat varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

See phlebologist: Trained vein doctors (phlebologist) can treat vv in an office setting, as one day procedure.  Seek help by going to www.Phlebology.Org, and put in your zip code to find phlebologist in your area.  Evaluation starts with ultrasound of the leg veins, and modern day treatment includes endovenous ablation, microphlebectomy, sclerotherapy.  Results are great, and you will be happy.

Question 5

what are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of Varicose veins include::   Ankle swelling, Itching, Legs cramping, Restless legs, Ulceration, Red spider veins, Bulging veins.

Question 6

is it possible to inherit varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

No: Varicose veins are enlargement in the veins of the leg usually from pressure on the venous system thru prolonged standing.  The veins normally have valves to guarantee that return blood to the heart doesn't pool in the legs.  As the valves weaken the downward pressure from standing causes the veins to swell.  This is then managed conservatively with elastic stockings.

Question 7

what causes most people's varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

Newton's thick skin: An apple hit newton on the head. If newton had sat under apple trees too often, he would need thick  skin! and he had better have strong veins too! lucky people inherit genes for strong veins, but 15% of people don't. Gravity pressurizes vein walls and the weaker veins can't take the stress- they give out and dilate!  one can't change genetics, but fight back with lifestyle and compression socks!

Question 8

what is varicose veins a risk factor for?

Accepted Answer

Varicose veins can lead to::   Blood clot in lung, Superficial thrombophlebitis, Embolus, Phlebitis, Deep venous thrombosis.

Question 9

what is a good way to cure varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

Several things: Compression stocking may relief some of the symptoms but will not get rid of the varicosities, so options of sclerotherapy, surgical removal / phlebectomies are options depending on size / location and extend of varicose veins.

Question 10

do varicose veins feel like bugs crawling?

Accepted Answer

Bugs Crawling: Varicose veins can be painful and can include swelling, leg heaviness and leg fatigue.  Patients often complain of odd sensations including leg cramps and a crawling sensation.  Be sure to visit a vascular surgeon to have your varicose veins fully evaluated.  You'll want to get a venous duplex.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Varicose veins in children

A member asked:

Are varicose veins dangerous?

A member asked:

How to cure unsightly varicose veins?

A member asked:

How do you treat large varicose veins?

A member asked:

What can i do to treat varicose veins?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

A member asked:

Is it possible to inherit varicose veins?

A member asked:

What causes most people's varicose veins?

A member asked:

What is varicose veins a risk factor for?

A member asked:

What is a good way to cure varicose veins?

A member asked:

Do varicose veins feel like bugs crawling?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?