Vein Clinic Services
To grasp vein disease, the primary culprit behind varicose veins, it’s crucial to comprehend the venous system within the human body. This system constitutes the circulatory network responsible for returning deoxygenated blood through veins to the heart for recirculation. In contrast, the arterial system transports oxygenated blood away from the heart to nourish various body tissues. At the finest level of the venous system lie the capillaries, which channel into larger superficial veins.
To counteract the pull of gravity, the veins contain one-way valves that open to facilitate blood flow towards the heart and close to prevent blood reflux back into the body. However, when these valves malfunction or if the vein integrity is compromised, leading to incomplete valve closure, blood may accumulate within the vein, triggering various complications.
Venous disease, encompassing disorders arising from diseased or abnormal veins, is prevalent, affecting approximately 15% of adults in the United States.
Common symptoms of venous disease include swelling or heaviness in the legs, calf pain or cramping, noticeable varicose or spider veins, skin irregularities or discoloration, dry or weeping eczema, and leg ulcers.
Listed below are factors that can heighten the risk of developing venous insufficiency:
– Advancing age
– Gender
– Genetic predisposition
– Excess weight (Obesity)
– Pregnancy
– Occupations requiring prolonged standing
Symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency/varicose veins in the lower extremities encompass:
– Pain
– Aching and fatigued sensation in the legs
– Sensation of heaviness in the legs
– Swelling of the feet and ankles
– Throbbing or burning sensation in the legs
– Itchy, dry, and thin skin over the affected vein
– Changes in skin pigmentation to a brownish hue
– Muscle cramps in the legs, especially at night
– Bleeding and/or ulceration
Complications may include:
– Edema
– Pain
– Inflammation
– Blood clot formation in vessels
– Bleeding and skin alterations leading to ulceration
