Taking care of your veins doesn't mean doing it for appearance's sake-- abnormal veins can be painful and a hazard to your health.

Banner Health describes varicose veins as "superficial veins that are dilated and bulge under the skin. They can be blue or purple in color and are often found behind the knees and in calves and thighs. They can cause swelling, aching in the legs and damage to the skin leading to open wounds."

 

And while that definitely sounds painful, they often get confused with spider veins, which are merely cosmetic.  Spider veins are smaller in size and can be caused by genetics, hormone changes, exposure to the sun, and injuries.

If you can't decide if your veins are a health concern or not, here's a helpful reminder:

“Veins become a medical problem if they hinder blood flow and can’t carry blood out of the legs efficiently,” says Todd Bruce, a Physician Assistant in North Colorado Medical Center’s CardioVascular Institute Vein Clinic. “That’s one of the reasons that it’s important to have an evaluation and potential treatment by a medical professional”.

No matter what, it's important to make sure your veins are healthy and happy, since there are several treatments that can help ensuring their wellness.

Banner Health encourages a call to NCMC CardioVascular Institute Vein Clinic (970) 378-4100 to schedule your FREE screening today.

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