Vein Specialists of the South

Leg problems are part of everyday life for many people, but few realize that approximately 90% of leg disorders originate within the veins. Varicose and spider vein problems are widespread. In fact, it is estimated that more than 80 million Americans suffer from some form of venous disorder. Vein problems often progressively worsen with time and can even affect your health and well-being for the rest of your life. If you suffer from a venous disease such as the ones listed above, take action and find relief now.

Veins

Veins are blood vessels that return blood to the heart. Multiple veins, some in the muscles and some between the muscle and skin, return blood from the legs to the heart. One-way valves inside those veins allow them to carry blood upwards and against the force of gravity, even while we are standing.

Varicose veins are caused by the failure of these one-way valves. Blood “pools” in the legs and over time stretches the elastic walls of leg veins. When the abnormally enlarged veins are close enough to the skin that they can be seen or felt, they are known as varicose veins.

Varicose veins can cause symptoms of pain, cramping, heaviness, fatigue, itching and burning. In severe cases, varicose veins may cause swelling, ankle discoloration and ulcerations.

Spider veins are smaller veins, close to the skin surface, which are usually red, purple of blue. They frequently cause symptoms of itching and burning.

Causes

Although it is not certain what causes varicose veins, we do know the following factors contribute to their development:

Heredity. Most people with varicose veins have a close relative who also has varicose problems.
Gender. Women are much more likely than men to suffer from varicose veins.
Pregnancy. Women often develop varicose veins during pregnancy, and women who have been pregnant are more likely to suffer from varicose veins.
Activity or occupation. People who spend much of their day standing are more predisposed to varicose veins than those who do not. Therefore people in professions such as nursing and teaching are frequently affected.
Other contributing factors include aging, obesity and injury.

Who should seek treatment

Patients with veins that cause symptoms should seek consultation about treatment options. Many of these patients have suffered for years because they thought varicose vein treatments were painful, disfiguring and costly. Today, most patients with varicose veins can be treated in an office setting with excellent outcomes. Most varicose vein evaluations and many treatments are covered by health insurance.