Your elderly relative is complaining about itching and pain in their lower leg, so when you inspect it you notice purplish blotches and bumpy skin.
These are varicose veins and they could trigger some significant health issues in your aging loved one if they are not treated by a doctor. Too many family caregivers don’t know about the dangers of varicose veins in elderly adults, so too many cases are left undiagnosed and untreated.

Varicose veins are dilated blood vessels that can lead to pain and discomfort for the elderly person. Without treatment, symptoms like swelling, stiffness and pain increase and other more serious health conditions can develop. Family members and elder care aides should monitor the varicose veins to ensure they are not developing elsewhere on the body.

Here are 5 heath problems that untreated varicose veins can bring onto seniors:

1. Venous Ulcers

There are sores that develop in the are of the varicose veins and can lead to burning, pain and tenderness. Because the area is not getting enough circulation, the wound doesn’t heal quickly and may even grow larger over time.

2. Spontaneous Bleeding

Varicose veins put pressure on the skin and bring blood very close to the surface. It doesn’t take much for light bleeding to occur from a scrape or scratch. The wounds often do not heal very quickly and there is always the risk of infection.

3. Lipodermosclerosis

Varicose veins can disrupt the natural flow of blood in the legs and as a result, the tissues there can undergo some changes. With lipodermosclerosis, the tissues become firm and stiff, causing pain and tenderness.

4. Thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis describes inflamed veins just under the skin and it happens due to decreased blood flow and weakened vein walls. This leads to redness, swelling, pain and tenderness in the legs near the varicose veins.

5. Deep Vein Thrombosis

This is perhaps the most dangerous condition that can be caused by varicose veins. It’s when blood clots form in the varicose veins and it can cause pain and swelling. In the most serious cases, the blood clot breaks loose and travels elsewhere in the body.

There’s no doubt that varicose veins can lead to some serious health problems for elderly adults. Family caregivers, elder care assistants and physicians should all do what they can to help the aging adult avoid developing varicose veins or else managing ones that are already present. Like many health issues, prevention and early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to avoiding dangerous complications.

If you or a family member are in need of Homecare in Coral Springs, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770.
Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.

Source:

Centerforvein.com

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Star Multi Care Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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