Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening todayA Blood Clot’s Correlation to Varicose Veins
If you think you have varicose veins or do have them, it’s in your best interest to see a vein specialist. Why? These veins are unhealthy and they could be your body’s way of telling you that a serious health concern is coming. This potential dangerous health concern is a blood clot.
If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to blood clots. The veins are enlarged visible veins near the surface of the skin, and they are usually seen in the legs and ankles. Many people experience pain, swelling and heaviness in their legs from this veins. This painful inflammation is known as superficial phlebitis, which can sometimes be associated with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT). According to a study published in Archives of Dermatology, one in four patients with SVT also had deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms within a deep vein. The most dangerous thing about this clot Is if it breaks off and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Here are some signs that you may have a clot: pain, swelling, numbness, coldness, warming sensations, pain in calf when stretching toes upward, reddish or blueish discoloration, increased heart rate, and fainting. Often times, symptoms can feel similar to a pulled muscle or a “Charlie horse.”
Usually these issues are experienced only in one leg, not both. If both legs feel these symptoms, you may have some other condition to get checked out.
Signs of PVT include: unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort that worsens during deep breaths or coughing, lightheadedness, dizziness, rapid pulse, and coughing up blood.
Many blood clot symptoms are the same as many other diseases, so you may not think it could be a blood clot, but it’s better to get it checked out to make certain it isn’t. Symptoms tend to depend on the size of the clot. Small clots might not have any symptoms or minor pain, while larger clots could make your entire leg swell and be in pain.
Your risk of a blood clot is higher if: you’re over 65, travel for long periods of time, are bed rest or are very sedentary, are obese, are pregnant, you smoke, or have a family history of blood clots.
If you think you may have a blood clot, get it checked out immediately. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a clot from varicose veins or have other issues regarding this health concern, call Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein at 727-712-3233. He will be able to work with you to find the best solution for treating your varicose veins.