Why Early Detection of Vein Disease is Important?
Vein disease is something that nobody wants to come across, but it happens to many of us throughout our life. There are a number of factors that can increase the potential for vein disease including increased weight, age, pregnancy and sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Along with these causes, vein disease has a variety of tell-tale symptoms that can occur at various points of vein disease progression. It is important to understand and know what these symptoms and stages are because early detection can help prevent serious issues with your veins if they are left untreated.
Therefore, in this article, we'll go over those symptoms and the progression of vein disease to make sure you know what to expect and how to avoid any serious vein-related illness from causing a major impact or damage to your health.
What is vein disease and what are the symptoms?
Vein disease is a condition that affects veins, typically in the legs. Vein disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including leg pain, heaviness, cramping, itching, and swelling. In more severe cases, vein disease can lead to venous ulcers or skin changes.
Venous insufficiency is the most common type of vein disease. It occurs when valves in veins become damaged or weakened, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the legs. This can lead to a variety of vein issues including spider veins and varicose veins. In general, vein disease can progressively get worse so if left untreated, venous insufficiency can potentially lead to serious symptoms.
What are the stages of vein disease?
There are various stages of vein disease progression, and some of them may occur simultaneously:
STAGE 1- Spider Veins:
Spider veins are tiny, damaged veins that show up on the surface of the skin. They can be blue, purple, or red and resemble thin lines, web-like networks, or branches. These veins might cause aching, burning sensation, or discomfort but most often they do not cause symptoms but are primarily a cosmetic concern. They can be a sign of a deeper issue.
STAGE 2 – Varicose Veins:
Varicose veins, which are swollen and enlarged, are a common sign of the disease. Some people do not notice any symptoms, but common complaints include pain, edema, heaviness, and discoloration. When the condition gets worse, the veins might rupture, and bleed or ulcers can develop in later stages. When you have a lot of weight on your legs after a long day, they may feel weary or painful.
STAGE 3 – Swelling (Edema):
Examine your legs for edema; this happens when there is leg and ankle swelling. Blood pools in your legs when you have leaky valves, causing swelling after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
STAGE 4 – Skin Changes or Discoloration:
Be on the lookout for any changes in your skin, especially if you have had chronic swelling. Damaged veins may cause bleeding and accumulation of fluid. Red, itchy, flaky skin, hardening of the skin, and color change are all possible symptoms. Leg ulcers can develop as a result of progressive skin changes.
STAGE 5 – Leg Ulcers and Sores:
Look for leg ulcers or wounds that do not heal. This stage results in a wound on the calf or ankle due to dilated veins, which causes venous hypertension and tissue breakdown. If there is an injury to the leg a wound can occur that is very slow to heal and can become infected. Once infected, it can cause even more serious complications. It's critical to act quickly to treat vein disease throughout this stage, but it's even better if you detect it early on.
How is vein disease prevented?
Vein disease does not cure itself and cannot be completely prevented. Some methods are more effective than others to slow the progression if you are prone to vein disease.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts pressure on your veins and makes them more likely to develop problems. Losing weight can help reduce the pressure and improve your overall vein health.
Avoid smoking. Smoking damages your vascular system and increases your risk of developing problems.
Regularly exercise. Exercise helps keep your veins healthy by improving blood circulation. It’s also a good way to manage your weight and reduce your risk of other health problems.
Avoid standing or sitting for too long. Doing so can cause the blood to pool in the veins which can lead to a variety of vein diseases.
Wear compression stockings. Graduated compression stockings assist the blood to flow in the direction it's supposed to and contribute to better circulation in the legs which will help reduce the chance and severity of vein diseases such as varicose veins.
How is vein disease diagnosed?
Vein disease is usually diagnosed with a physical exam and Duplex ultrasound. During the physical exam, your doctor will check for signs of venous insufficiencies, such as varicose veins, skin changes, or ulcers. Duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the veins. This can help your doctor determine the severity of the vein disease and plan treatment.
How is vein disease treated?
Vein disease is usually prevented or delayed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical procedures. Common medical procedures done at Elmore Medical include Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, and microsurgery. EVLT uses laser energy to generate heat which seals the vein closed. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the veins to damage them and cause them to collapse. Microsurgery utilizes special instruments to remove veins through a few, very tiny, "micro" incisions.
Vein disease is a serious medical condition that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems. The earlier vein disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. Knowing the symptoms and stages of vein disease can help you prevent serious issues from developing. If you experience any of the symptoms of vein disease, please see a vein specialist right away for diagnosis and treatment. They can help you develop a plan that is appropriate for your specific needs at whatever level your vein disease is. If you aren’t sure if your symptoms are venous-related, please give us a call at Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center. We treat every stage of vein disease from cosmetic concerns all the way to venous ulcers.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.