Before & After
Photos
What is
Vein Disease?
What Are
Spider Veins?
Before & After
What is
What Are
Treatment
What is Vein Disease?
San Diego Varicose & Spider Vein Treatment
Veins play an essential role is transporting blood from various parts of the body back to the heart. The natural effects of aging, as well as certain conditions, can contribute to a number of complications with the veins and their ability to circulate blood. According to the American Venous Forum, roughly one in three Americans over the age of 45 has some type of vein disease, as well as many individuals under the age of 45.
Vein disease, which can cause a number of various symptoms and problems, occurs when the vessels that transport blood have trouble carrying it from your body back to you heart. In the legs, for example, blood must travel against gravity in order to return to the heart, which means that between each heartbeat, veins must support the weight of the blood. To aid this process, veins have special valves that open and close to keep the blood flowing in one direction. When veins are damaged and valves fail to function properly, blood is pulled down by gravity and pools in the vessel (venous reflux). This places excessive pressure on the veins, causing them to enlarge and become visible of on the surface of the skin. These swollen and visible veins, known as varicose veins and spider veins, are among the most common symptoms of vein disease and other vascular health issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Vein Disease
Although early symptoms of vein disease, including varicose and spider veins, may seem minor, they can become serious and, in some cases, life-threatening when not addressed. Additionally, symptoms can greatly impact a person’s self-image and self-esteem, even when the condition is not a serious or immediate medical concern. In addition to spider veins and varicose veins, common signs and symptoms of vein disease include:
Leg ulcers
Pain and weakness in the legs
Swollen joints and calves
Throbbing muscles
Cramps and restless legs
Burning or itching skin
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is caused by problems in one of more veins deep in the leg. Normally, valves in the veins keep blood flowing back toward the heart so it does not collect in one place. The valves in varicose veins are either damaged or missing, causing the veins to remain filled with blood, especially when standing. The condition may also be caused by a blockage in a vein from a clot, also known as deep vein thrombosis.
Although vein disease affects millions of Americans from all walks of life, there are certain risk factors that make some people more susceptible to vein disease. Those who are pregnant, obese, exercise very little, or stand or sit for long periods of time are at a higher risk for vein disease and symptoms. In many instances, varicose and spider veins are often hereditary and experienced more frequently by women. Additional risk factors include:
Illness or injury
Family history of vascular or heart disease
Age
Lifestyle requiring sitting or standing for long periods of time
Conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels
diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
Prior stroke
It should also be mentioned that it is the severity of reflux (blood that travels down the legs and pools in the veins) that dictates the severity of the disease, not necessarily the size of the varicose and spider veins. In fact, there are many people suffering from vein disease who may not exhibit visible signs of vascular problems, yet still experience common symptoms of vein disease, including heavy legs, cramping, and swelling, among others. Such patients can have significant reflux and potential medical hazards without any apparent visual signs. As such, it is important to be aware of these common symptoms and to seek medical treatment should they become a concern.
Learn More About Your Treatment Options at Our Vein Center in San Diego
If you have experienced any of the signs and symptoms associated with vein disease, allow our team to provide you with the answers and information you need to better understand the treatment options you have available. Focused exclusively on vascular procedures, we provide the highest-quality care and cutting-edge services possible, and work to ensure that our patients attain the results and satisfaction they deserve. Contact San Diego Vascular Center today to learn more about the services and treatment we provide.
Contact Us
Toll Free
(760) 739-7666
Address
625 West Citracado Parkway
Suite 203
Escondido, CA 92025
Service Areas
San Diego County, Riverside County, and Orange County
Latest News
Are Spider Veins a Sign of a Potentially Deadly Blood Clot?April 20, 2020 - 10:00 amAlthough it’s not as widely discussed as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, or cancer, the occurrence of spider veins is still one of the most common health problems in the world today, especially in women. In fact, more than 40% of women suffer from it with an increasing prevalence through aging, so that by the age […]
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a doctor-client relationship.
