Varicose Veins Are a Health Issue That Should Be Taken Seriously

Kiriş also warned that untreated varicose veins for prolonged periods can cause varicose ulcers in the ankle area. Dr. İlker Kiriş, explaining how varicose veins develop, noted that varicose veins are most often caused by deep vein insufficiency. In deep veins, blood flow physiologically occurs against gravity, from the ankle toward the groin and heart. When the valves inside deep veins become damaged, blood flows backward, leading to venous insufficiency (venous reflux) and varicose veins. Varicose veins cause discomfort in patients such as leg pain and swelling, and have negative effects on quality of life. At the same time, varicose veins cause poor appearance in the legs and create aesthetic discomfort for patients.

Can Lead to Serious Adverse Outcomes

Dr. İlker Kiriş emphasized that varicose veins are not merely an aesthetic issue. Untreated varicose veins and deep vein insufficiency can lead to serious adverse consequences such as varicose ulcers (venous ulcers). A varicose ulcer can be described as a full-thickness skin lesion that occurs in the ankle area, does not heal spontaneously, and is accompanied by deep vein insufficiency. These ulcers are often painful, and the drainage and infection they cause significantly negatively affect the patient's quality of life. Treatment of these ulcers is difficult and they may recur. Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlker Kiriş stated that patients with varicose ulcers must be evaluated by a cardiovascular surgeon. Kiriş emphasized that it is necessary to examine whether there is any blockage in the patient's blood vessels. Kiriş noted that wound care products should be applied to the varicose ulcer area and compression therapy should also be performed, saying: "In conclusion, varicose veins are not merely an aesthetic matter but a health problem that should be taken seriously. It should not be forgotten that varicose veins that are neglected for long periods and whose treatment is delayed can lead to difficult-to-treat ulcers in the ankle area."