What You Need to Know About Venous Conditions
At The Center for Advanced Vein Care in Hickory, NC, we believe the first step to recovery is through proper patient education about vein conditions. Our team has compiled salient information about venous diseases to help people learn about the different conditions, their causes, and possible treatment options. Read on to learn more.
Causes
There are many factors that may aggravate vein conditions. Health issues may arise due to genetics, injuries, aging, or constant, strenuous leg activities at work. Sometimes, they are a result of another preexisting disorder or a side-effect of a certain medication. Since the cause of vein disorders varies for every patient, Dr. Thompson and his team have mastered different approaches to cater to their clients better.
Common Vein Disorders
Spider Veins
Spider veins (also medically known as telangiectasia or venulectasias) are considered mild venous insufficiency. They are a group of web-like, tiny blood vessels that are usually found under the skin’s surface.
Telangiectasia is clearly visible and may cover a large patch of skin. They’re typically red, blue, or purple and can be found on the lower part of one’s face, thighs, or legs. While they’re similar to varicose veins, spider veins are relatively smaller and are more of a cosmetic problem than a physical one. Since they do not bulge or cause painful symptoms, patients who are diagnosed with this may not need to undergo treatment.
Spider veins are easily diagnosed by sight. However, physicians may still recommend ultrasound scans to determine the extent of the disorder.
Studies show that women are more prone to developing this vein disorder compared to men. Like varicose veins, risk factors for telangiectasia include age, family history, multiple pregnancies, hormonal changes, obesity, and long periods of standing. Fair-skinned people may also develop this disease, especially if they’re frequently exposed to the sun.
Since they’re only a mild case of venous insufficiency, spider veins can be treated through noninvasive or minimally invasive methods like sclerotherapy and laser procedures. Since they’re mostly for cosmetic purposes only, they might not be covered by health insurance or Medicare—unless they’re related to a more serious, underlying health condition.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen and lumpy veins—typically found in the legs, ankles, and feet—caused by a condition called venous insufficiency/reflux. This happens when the blood in a person’s lower limbs pools in the affected veins instead of flowing back to the heart. Among the common symptoms of this disease include:
- Burning or Itching Skin
- Leg Pain and Fatigue
- Leg Ulcers
- Skin Discoloration
- Swollen Ankles and Calves
Gender and age are two of the risk factors of vein reflux. While both women and men may develop this disease, females are more likely to experience the symptoms when they reach the age of 60. Other factors that may contribute to venous insufficiency include pregnancies, obesity, family history, and standing for long periods of time.
Varicose veins do not heal without proper treatment. Delayed medical intervention can aggravate symptoms and may pose serious health risks. If you or someone you know is showing signs of venous insufficiency, seek help from trusted vein physicians like Dr. Aaron Thompson Jr.
