Most of these issues are overlooked, which only causes further complications in the future.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on August 23, 2021. It has since been updated.
The human body is made up of a lot of complex factors, including the vascular system. According to the Iowa Clinic, the network of veins and arteries inside your body is like a two-way road, carrying blood wherever it needs to travel to. The arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to every single cell, while the veins take it back to the heart, but they stop at the kidneys and liver to dump waste before heading back.
Arteries are usually not visible to the naked eye, but the green ones you see under your skin are veins. But, veins can be confusing. Why do they seem green when they're supposed to be red? According to Healthline, it's because the color green has a shorter wavelength than the color red. And, just like any other part of your body, even your veins need medical assistance at times.
The thing is, most people know that if they experience pain in any part of their body like their head or legs, then there's something wrong on the inside and that pain is a way for the body to communicate with you.
However, most people don't realize that the veins are also capable of communicating with you, and when unable to perform the functions they're meant for, they can cause severe health issues. If you don't know how, here are six signs to look out for, according to the Vein Clinic of America.
Standing for a prolonged period can be exhausting, but if only your legs feel tired, then it is a cause for concern. This could be a sign that your veins are not functioning as they should. They could be twisted, enlarged, otherwise known as varicose veins, per Mayo Clinic. The best way to figure out a way to alleviate the feeling would be to see a doctor.
There could be a lot of reasons for a person's legs to hurt, but if you feel like it's aching and throbbing, it could be because of your veins. The worst part is if the pain increases with time, till it becomes unbearable. A specialist would be able to identify the root of your pain.
Ever wondered why there seems to be a rash or a dry and itchy spot near your ankle? Well, it could be because of the high blood pressure levels in your damaged veins. Since blood is unable to flow back to your heart, it causes marks on your skin. It's best to nip the issue in the bud; when left untreated, it can turn into a venous leg ulcer.
Normally, a person's veins would appear either green or in some cases, blue. Any color other than these indicates there's a problem, especially if they turn purple and bulge out. This is due to the swelling and irritation of your varicose veins. Soon, your veins will develop a clot, and restrict blood from flowing through the vein at all.
Your legs could swell due to multiple reasons, but if you notice that only one of your legs tend to swell up, especially after you've spent some time on your feet, then it could be due to venous insufficiency— when your veins don't allow blood to go back to your heart.
In some cases, people can feel a tender lump in their veins. It could be a blood clot, and if you do spot it, immediately call your local doctor. They will guide you to the next best step to treat your issue.
While none of the six issues are uncommon, they are often overlooked, which further complicates the issue. Thus, it is always best to keep an eye out for such symptoms, so that you can catch the problem at an early stage to prevent further deterioration.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/green-veins#causes
https://www.veinclinics.com/blog/eight-signs-time-see-vein-specialist/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Azat_ajphotos (R) ozgurdonmaz
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
