Venous disease can cause varicose veins, leg ulcers, and blood clots, and if you aren’t aware of the signs, you might not notice you have an issue. That’s why our team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists, a premier cardiovascular health center, wants men and women to know how venous disease affects health and how to spot the signs.
Venous disease occurs when the veins, particularly those in the legs, fail to function properly. Valves in your leg veins play a key role in keeping blood flowing in the right direction, and they must fight against gravity to do so.
When the valves don’t work efficiently, blood pools in the veins, putting pressure against vein walls, and causing various symptoms. Venous disease can cause problems ranging from cosmetic issues, such as unsightly spider and varicose veins, to more serious health problems, such as leg ulcers.
Varicose veins are among the most noticeable signs of venous disease. These enlarged, twisted veins often appear blue or purple and bulge out from the surface of your skin. If you have varicose veins, know that they’re more than just a cosmetic issue; they’re also a sign of your vascular health.
Our cardiovascular physician Dr. Majed Chane, specializes in varicose veins, offering comprehensive treatment options, including radiofrequency, MOCA ablation, and VenaSeal™ endovascular procedures.
As venous disease progresses, you might notice changes in the skin on your legs. It can become dry, itchy, and discolored. These changes occur because the pooled blood puts pressure on your skin, and waste products build up in the tissues.
In more severe cases, venous disease can cause leg ulcers. These are open sores that develop when the skin breaks down and fails to heal properly. Leg ulcers commonly develop around the ankles and can be painful and prone to infection.
If you have venous disease, your legs may ache and feel heavy, especially after standing for long periods or after a day of walking. You may also experience some leg swelling that tends to happen in the evening due to fluid accumulating in the lower extremities. In addition to your legs feeling swollen and heavy, they may also feel tight.
Some individuals with venous disease also experience an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially at night. These restless leg symptoms can get in the way of sleep and have an impact on your quality of life.
If you experience any signs and symptoms of venous disease, it's important to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can keep venous disease from progressing and reduce the risk of complications.
CA Heart and Vein Specialists offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to address your specific needs. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, compression therapy, and minimally invasive procedures to improve vein function and relieve symptoms.
Don’t ignore the symptoms of venous disease. Contact us today to schedule an appointment if you have any concerns about your vascular health.
