With a varicose vein, every new change brings new questions and anxieties. What does it mean if you feel a hard lump on varicose vein? Veins are typically soft to the touch and easily press down if they’re protruding. Finding a hard lump on a vein, even a varicose one, is an understandable cause for concern.
If you feel hard lumps on varicose veins, you should consult a doctor. While it’s most likely minor, the most serious possibility is a potential blood clot. Clots in varicose veins can travel to the heart or lungs and should be taken very seriously. If you notice changes early, you can treat them early before potentially life-threatening complications develop.
Depending on what exactly the hard lump is, there are several vascular treatment options available. These include sclerotherapy, laser treatments, radio wave treatments, and vein stripping.
Generally speaking, these options are minimally invasive and offer a quick recovery time. In the event of deep vein thrombosis, there may be other treatments required to keep the clot from traveling.
So, what causes varicose veins? Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. Pressure from these valves typically helps keep blood moving back to the heart, even against the force of gravity. If one of these valves is weakened or damaged, blood can flow backward in spots or pool in the veins. The veins stretching and twisting as a result of that leads to varicose veins.
Certain risk factors make people more vulnerable to developing varicose veins than others. Aging is typically a factor. More time and use over the years gives more opportunities for valves to weaken and varicose veins to develop.
Women are also more likely to develop the condition than men. This is due to female hormones (and hormone treatments) thinning vein walls as a side effect. Thinner vein walls lead to more failures, and, thus, more varicose veins.
Similarly, obesity, family history, or long periods of time standing or sitting can also lead to varicose veins developing. These kinds of strains on the veins (or genetic predispositions to certain veins straining) can lead to varicose vein formation.
Varicose veins will typically be dark purple or blue in color. The veins will appear twisted or bulging, and almost cord-like. They can create achy or heavy feelings, as well as burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, or swelling. They can also cause worsened pain after sitting or standing for long periods of time. Itching around the veins or changes in skin color around them are also not uncommon.
Varicose veins may be nothing more than a cosmetic issue but, in some cases, they can lead to dangerous complications. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available from licensed vascular surgeons and specialists.
Pay attention to developments and changes to any varicose veins you notice forming. If you spot any signs of redness, liquids forming, or similar new or changing symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. These can be signs of issues like leg swelling, skin ulcer, skin infection, internal bleeding, or in extreme cases, thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis.
While varicose veins are mostly harmless, finding a hard lump on one should be taken seriously. If you’re looking for options for your varicose veins, especially if you’re concerned about a clot, make a consultation with South Valley Vascular. South Valley Vascular’s board-certified vascular specialists should be able to both spot any vascular issues and recommend effective treatment options.
