Should I Be Concerned About Varicose Veins?

Q: I am 64 years old and have only recently started developing varicose veins in my legs. I'm using compression stockings, but they're uncomfortable during the warm months. What other options do I have to deal with them? Aside from the increased risk of a blood clot, do they pose any serious health risks? Will the varicose veins start to look worse as I get older?

— Tania-- Wichita, KS

A:

Varicose veins can be very unpleasant, particularly from a cosmetic point of view. These enlarged and tortuous veins usually show up in the legs; they are subject to high pressure when you’re upright and therefore likely to be uncomfortable and perhaps even painful while you're standing or walking. Varicose veins can also sometimes itch, and scratching them can cause ulcers. Ulcers that infect your veins can lead to blood clots — this is a condition known as superficial thrombophlebitis and is usually isolated to superficial veins. In rare cases, these blood clots can extend into deep veins, becoming a more serious problem. Still, varicose veins very rarely bring on serious complications. More than anything else, they are considered to be a cosmetic problem, which, unfortunately, can worsen as you grow older.

One of the options you might wish to consider to reduce the appearance of your varicose veins is surgical intervention. Vein stripping is one particular surgical treatment that can help. There are also newer, less-invasive treatments such as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and endovenous laser treatment, each of which has its own pros and cons. Nonsurgical treatment options include elastic stockings, elevating the legs, and exercise.

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