When to Worry About Varicose Veins
While surface varicose veins may bother you, a vein specialist is more concerned with the veins deep inside your legs. The Great Saphenous Vein (GSV), a long vein in the leg, can become damaged, allowing blood to pool in its feeder veins. This condition, called venous insufficiency, means your body can no longer transport blood out of your legs effectively.
You should see a vein specialist if you experience symptoms such as:
- Large, bulging varicose veins
- Burning or itching
- Heaviness
- Aching
- Swelling
- Skin thickening or changes
- Ulcers or sores
Even if you do not have symptoms, we recommend an appointment to assess your venous health. Venous insufficiency may have no symptoms other than the associated varicose veins. Treating this condition before you develop symptoms can prevent many issues in the future. Dr. Cutchen uses painless, non–invasive ultrasound to examine your venous system to identify and map out any issues with blood flow.