Varicose veins are a common problem that our Potomac MD podiatrist sees, and they appear mostly on the lower leg, ankles, and feet. These are enlarged, twisted veins that appear as bluish, gnarled cords beneath your skin. To some people, varicose veins are only a cosmetic concern, but for others they cause serious circulatory problems, as well as aching and discomfort.
Arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body, while veins return the blood to your heart so the blood can be recirculated. This requires the veins in your legs to work against gravity. Muscle contractions in your lower legs act as pumps, and elastic vein walls help blood flow back to your heart. Tiny valves in your veins open as blood flows toward your heart, then close to stop blood from flowing backward. When these valves weaken, they allow blood to flow backwards and pool in your veins, causing the veins to become enlarged.
There are many causes for varicose veins. Our Potomac podiatrist has listed some of the most common ones here.
Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), painful ulcers near the ankles, or blood clots that cause swelling. Some symptoms are annoying, but not alarming. However, if you experience any of the symptoms below, seek treatment from your doctor or make an appointment with your podiatry office in Potomac.
Your Potomac podiatrist can offer the best diagnosis for treatment of varicose veins, but there are some steps you can take at home to care for your feet.
Finally, there are a variety of surgical treatments for varicose veins. Talk to your Potomac MD podiatrist to discover the best solution for you.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to foot and ankle care, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office location near Potomac MD, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.