Varicose Vein Treatments
Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic issue.
Let’s Talk
About Varicose Veins.
Varicose veins are often misunderstood as simply a cosmetic issue, but when left untreated, they can progress into a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency. In lay terms, varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins usually caused by weak vein walls and valves that are most commonly affected in the legs due to the increased pressure of the lower body when standing or walking. The veins themselves have become enlarged and twisted as their tiny one-way valves that open to let the blood through and close to prevent it from flowing backward become stretched and lose their elasticity, causing the valves to weaken.
Vein Disease
Stages:
Venous Reflux
Venous reflux is a progressive medical condition and, if left untreated, may worsen over time and develop into a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
If CVI is left untreated, legs can sometimes develop painful sores or wounds on the skin’s surface called ulcers. Normally ulcers may appear near the ankles or lower leg and are brought on by increased fluid build-up and blood pressure from veins affected by CVI. A venous leg ulcer
can develop after a minor injury if there’s a problem with the circulation of blood in your leg veins. This happens when the pressure inside the veins increases. This constant high pressure can gradually damage the tiny blood vessels in your skin and make it fragile. Furthermore, due to pain, mobility limitations, and other consequences, venous leg ulcers have sometimes been associated with increased rates of depression and decreases in patient quality of life. Unfortunately, leaving varicose veins untreated may result in developing Deep Vein Thrombosis, a serious condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein. This condition is very serious due to the fact that the blood clots can become loosened and lodged in the lungs.
Early Treatment Can Lead To Better Outcomes
Although worrisome, CVI and Venous Leg Ulcers are more common than you think. More than 190 million people worldwide suffer from this condition, but with proper treatment, the progressive symptoms of vein disease are preventable.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms
- Varicose veins
- Aching or pain
- Swelling
- Cramping
- Heaviness or tiredness
- Itching
- Restlessness
- Skin changes
- Brown, colored skin
- Open Sores or Ulcers
Risk Factors
- Family history
- Lack of exercise
- Leg injury or Trauma
- Prolonged Sitting or Standing
- Obesity or Excess Weight
- Current or Previous Pregnancies
- Smoking
Treatments Available
