Vein, or venous disease, covers a variety of conditions that affect the proper function of the veins in the body. These issues range from visible conditions such as varicose and spider veins to venous ulcers and blood clots.
Fortunately, treatments for most venous conditions have good outcomes. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment from an experienced vein doctor in Tolland is the key to a good result.
Why Vein Disease Happen
Venous disease has multiple causes that range from genetics to lifestyle. If a close family member, usually your mom or dad, has vein problems, you’re also likely to suffer from vein issues. Jobs that require a lot of standing or walking or activity that puts a lot of pressure on your legs also increase the risk of developing vein disease. Nurses, hairdressers, teachers, postal workers, and delivery people are some of the most common occupations associated with varying degrees of venous disease. Excess weight will also pressure veins and cause a vein condition to develop. Pregnancy is the most common condition that causes venous disorders.
Veins work by enabling blood to flow in one direction, which is toward the heart. This occurs via valves in the veins that open and close, allowing the blood back toward the heart. When a valve fails or becomes “leaky,” blood pools in the affected area, typically the legs, especially the ankles. Over time, the vein wall weakens and stretches out, causing more valves to break. The broken vein keeps stretching and can become visible under the skin (spider veins) or bulge outwards (varicose veins).
How Untreated Vein Diseases Progress
Vein disease is a chronic condition that gradually worsens over time. The walls of the affected vein(s) can no longer go back to their normal size and continue to deteriorate as time passes. A perfect example of this is pregnancy. In many cases, after the first pregnancy, the veins that stretch out can return to normal after birth. With a second pregnancy, the veins usually stay broken even after birth. With each subsequent pregnancy, the veins get more and more leaky, causing more symptoms and complications.
Leaving the affected “leaky “ veins untreated can result in the development of conditions that include:
- Varicose veins
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Superficial thrombophlebitis or “phlebitis”
- Pulmonary embolism
- Skin changes including hard, thick brown skin
- Venous ulcers
- Infections of the skin and underlying tissue
- Bleeding
The blood pooling in a vein creates the right conditions for a blood clot to form. Platelets and other clotting factors stick to each other more readily because they sit in an area of the vein longer. When enough of these blood components clump together, they form a blood clot that can break loose and travel to the lungs. More commonly, a blood clot can form in the superficial or surface vein, causing extreme pain and skin damage. These superficial clots do not break off and are painful but not dangerous as the deep clots.
A venous ulcer is the result of untreated vein disease. It usually appears in the lower leg or ankle. It consists of an open wound that is very painful and won’t heal without addressing and correctly treating the underlying venous condition. Varicose or spider veins too close to the surface can rupture and bleed.
If a spider vein bleeds, it usually indicates a more serious vein condition that must be addressed.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of Vein Disease
The appearance of spider or varicose veins indicates that you’re at the beginning of vein disease. Even though the condition is not urgent, you must see a vein specialist in Newington for an evaluation and diagnosis. Make an appointment with an experienced vein specialist when you notice the appearance of spider or varicose veins. Treatment is done in the office by our board-certified vascular surgeon. Treatments are minimally invasive, virtually pain-free, and give long-lasting results, improving your quality of life and long-term protection for your health.
Getting Treatment for Your Vein Issues
Contact us at Vanishing Veins today for an appointment with Dr. Greenwald to get answers to your questions about your varicose or spider veins. Dr. Greenwald and the staff are here to help you understand the issue, the types of treatments available, and which is best for you.
We understand how people feel about developing vein disease. Our goal is to provide you with comfort and compassion as we discuss your diagnosis and undergo treatment. Dr. Greenwald applies her knowledge and expertise to restore your body to an unblemished appearance by eliminating visible veins. Contact us today for more information.
