Veins play a vital role in the body’s function, carrying blood from various parts of the body back to the heart. As people age, problems can begin to develop. Our vein specialists are trained to diagnose and treat vein disease. If you begin to feel symptoms of circulatory dysfunction, It can be difficult to know when to visit a doctor.
Vein problems, especially varicose veins, can cause symptoms that affect your day to day life. If you experience the following symptoms, schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment:
Some of these symptoms can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that should be diagnosed to rule out any severe medical problems.
Sometimes veins are just a cosmetic issue, sometimes the veins can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but sometimes diseases of the veins can lead to a serious health problem. If left untreated, the following health issues can occur
Leg ulcers are caused from the long term pooling of blood and typically occur around the ankle. When infected, this issue can become extremely painful. The ulcer can have wet lesions, dry lesions on the toes or feet, or may be located on the pressure points of the foot.
It can be difficult for ulcers to heal on their own and often both the wound and underlying vein disease need to be treated. Treatment often consists of closure of the abnormal veins and compression therapy.
Bleeding veins occur when the skin over the vein becomes thin and can bleed easily if injured. Bleeding can also be caused by the spontaneous rupture of a varicose vein. If you have episodes of bleeding veins, you should seek a diagnostic evaluation. Often, treatment can include ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy to close the abnormal vein.
Blood clots can occur in people who have been diagnosed with vein disease. When a blood clot forms in a vein near the surface of the skin, it is known as superficial thrombophlebitis. Sufferers may notice skin redness, a firm or tender vein, or pain and swelling. Treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis can include over-the-counter NSAIDs
When a blood clot forms in a deeper vein, it is referred to as deep vein thrombosis. This condition can be fatal if it travels to the lungs. Signs of deep vein thrombosis include a pulling feeling in the calf, pain, warmth, redness, or swelling. Deep vein thrombosis is often treated with the use of blood thinners.
If you’re experiencing vein problems, or would like to consult with a doctor about treatment, contact Weirton’s Vein Center today!