Having varicose veins can make you uncomfortable. A lot of people are bothered by the way these veins look, but the veins are also potentially dangerous from a health standpoint. Fortunately, vein treatment options are available that can help your legs look and feel better again. Before you ignore those veins as only being cosmetic, or before you decide the treatments are too invasive, you should talk to your doctor. That’s especially true if your varicose veins feel hard when you press on them, as that could indicate a risk for deep vein thrombosis or other vascular health conditions.
A Hard Vein Could Mean a Blood Clot
Usually, veins are soft to the touch and easily pressed down if they protrude. But if you have a varicose vein that is hard or bulging, you’ll want to talk to your doctor about it. There are conditions that can cause that, with the most serious being a blood clot. Because blood clots can travel to the heart or lungs, they should be taken seriously. Having your vein health checked on a regular basis is a good idea, but you’ll also want to see your doctor if you notice any significant changes. That way you can catch problems early and treat them appropriately for optimal vascular health.
Treatment Options Are Readily Available
If you find that you have vein problems, there are plenty of treatments you can consider. Sclerotherapy, laser, and radio wave treatments, vein stripping, and other options all work. Most people avoid the vein stripping anymore because it’s more invasive, but there are some cases where it makes sense and is still needed. In most cases, though, vein treatment options are far less invasive and take very little time to recover from. If you develop a blood clot such as deep vein thrombosis, though, you may need other types of treatments to keep that clot from traveling and causing you harm.
Talking to Your Doctor Can Help
The best way to know your vascular treatment options is to talk to your doctor. They can help you choose the right kind of treatment for any vein problems you have. That way, you’ll have the best chance at a good result and the peace of mind that comes with being an informed advocate for your own health. The more you know, the more you can think carefully about your options and talk them over with a trusted medical professional.
Then if you find a hard varicose vein and want to have it checked out, you’ll have an idea of what the problem might be and what treatment options will be available for your particular situation. Your doctor is your best line of defense against serious medical and vascular health issues, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.