Vein Diseases
Do You Have Any Of These Common Symptoms?
- Protruding, ropey or bulging veins?
- Burning and/or dry, itchy feeling in legs?
- Swelling, throbbing, or cramping?
- Red, blue or purple veins?
- Heaviness, fatigue and/or swelling?
If So, You May Be Suffering From A Vein Disease Such As Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) & May Have Visible Varicose or Spider Veins.
Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency causes symptoms such as:
- twisted and bulging veins
- the appearance of dark purple or blue colors at the surface of the skin
- leg swelling, itching, aching, burning, throbbing and muscle cramping
- leg heaviness and fatigue
- skin discoloration
- restless legs
- varicose veins
Blood flow from the legs to the heart is hampered by venous insufficiency, a disorder that arises when the venous wall or valves in the leg veins are not functioning properly. This causes the blood to “leak” back down the blood vessels, gathering in the veins, particularly in the ankles and feet. Swelling (edema) of the ankles and feet is one of the condition’s early symptoms.
Skin alterations, ulcers, and infections are consequences of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Though it can be painful and incapacitating, the illness usually does not provide a significant risk to one’s health.
It is not uncommon for venous insufficiency to be chronic. It is estimated that up to 40% of Americans suffer from CVI.
Varicose veins are superficial blood vessels that become enlarged and twisted due to venous insufficency. This condition most often occurs in the veins of the legs due to the higher pressure in leg vessels causing the venous valves to fail to successfully push blood back up to the heart, thereby resulting in the “pooling” of blood, which ultimately results in varicosities.
Varicose veins are different from spider veins, which are the very small bluish and/or purple veins that are close to the skin, though both conditions arise due to poor circulation, venous valve failure, and backwards bloodflow. Spider veins are generally a cosmetic concern, but in some instances they can lead to varicose veins, pain, swelling, throbbing, itching, restless legs, and skin discoloration. Rarely, they can lead to more serious issues like skin ulcers, sores, and blood clots.
It’s estimated that over 25% of all US adults suffer from varicose veins and/or spider veins.
Complications of venous insufficiency include:
- pain
- inflammation and swelling
- skin ulcers
- bleeding when veins close to the surface of the skin begin to burst
- blood clots, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis
- superficial thrombophlebitis, a condition in which superficial veins within the legs become tender, inflamed, and cord-like in nature
Varicose Veins & Spider Veins
Risk factors for venous insufficiency include:
- family history
- pregnancy and other conditions that put pressure on veins in the legs
- a history of blood clots
- a history of smoking
- standing or sitting for long periods of time
- being overweight, which increases pressure on the legs
- menopause
- aging, which results in decreased elasticity of blood vessels
- weakened blood vessel walls
- inflammation of the veins (known as phlebitis)
- chronic constipation
Foam or Liquid Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy requires no anesthesia and is used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. A solution is injected directly into the vein (liquid or foam) that closes it off, and the treated veins should disappear within a few weeks. We use only FDA-approved medications for sclerotherapy to maximize both patient safety and results.
Endovenous Ablation
A tube is inserted into a vein and pulled out with heat, which causes that vein to close. This treats the underlying problem of venous reflux disease, where blood backs up into the branch veins and causes leg swelling and pain. This is done comfortably under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, and there is little to no downtime afterward.
Phlebectomy (Vein Removal)
Done comfortably under local anesthesia, a large varicose vein is removed. In the past, surgical removal of varicose veins involved significant discomfort and recovery time. Today, phlebectomy, a minimally invasive procedure, involves little discomfort and downtime; patients can walk after the procedure and often resume a regular routine the next day.