Venous Disease Conditions Treated
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are quite common and result from poor valve function in the superficial venous system. Because they are close to the skin, they are easily seen and appear as spongy ropes or bulging clusters. They tend to run in families, occur more often in women, and may be more prominent or start with pregnancy. Prolonged standing, obesity, or injury may worsen the condition. While varicose veins are rarely dangerous, they can be very painful. Many people describe aching, burning or throbbing along the swollen veins, leg heaviness, and leg swelling. Non-surgical conservative treatment may be compressive stocking use. Surgical and minimally invasive laser treatments (EVLT®, Endovenous Laser Treatment) may be considered for treatment. Because the superficial system does only about 10% of the work in the legs, they can be removed without causing long-term problems as long as the deep system is okay.
Venous Insufficiency/Ulcers
There are two main venous systems in your legs. These are the deep and superficial venous systems. The deep system is responsible for approximately 90% of the blood return to the heart from your legs. Reflux or backward flow in this system can cause extensive leg swelling and tissue damage over time. Ulcers often form in the ankle region and are difficult to heal and recur frequently. Specialty wound care or compressive stockings may be suggested for treatment.
Venous Thrombosis (Blood Clots)
Blood clots may form in either the deep or superficial veins. Urgent medical treatment, usually with blood thinners (anticoagulation), is necessary when blood clots form in the deep system (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) to prevent them from dislodging and traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE) – a potentially fatal problem. Symptoms may include sudden swelling or pain in the legs, often after prolonged immobility from hospitalization, injury or even very long periods of sitting still.
Blood clots confined to the superficial system may be very uncomfortable but are rarely life-threatening. Symptoms can be redness or swelling just under the skin and a hard “cord” can often be felt along the path of the vein. Treatment is aimed at reducing discomfort.
After the acute problem is treated, people who have had venous thrombosis should have their veins evaluated to see if the valves are still working properly. This can easily be done with an ultrasound. When valves stop working properly venous insufficiency (deep system) or varicose veins (superficial system) can develop.
Spider Varicosities
Spider varicosities are not dangerous and do not lead to the formation of large varicosities. They are largely affected by heredity and hormone levels. If treatment is desired for cosmetic reasons, these may be treated with outpatient injection sclerotherapy
