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Why Having an Autoimmune Disease Can Increase Your Risk of Varicose Veins and Blood Clots

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You are probably wondering “why a blog about autoimmune disease and venous disease?” You may be surprised to learn that if you have an autoimmune disease, then there is a chance that varicose veins and blood clots could be a concern for you. If you are living with one or both of these conditions, we want you to understand what you and your medical team can do to protect your health and quality of life.

Millions of Americans suffer from unsightly and painful bulging varicose veins, spider veins, and leg swelling; sometimes, you can develop venous disease and not know until it has progressed. It does not have to be that way! If your goal is to have confidence in the way your legs look and feel, we are here to help you enjoy your work, hobbies, and family again.

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Overview of Autoimmune Diseases

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from an autoimmune disease, which arises when your immune system attacks your healthy cells.

There are over 80 different autoimmune conditions, the most well-known of these include:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Lupus
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Celiac Disease
Learn More About Autoimmune Diseases

If you’re looking for resources to learn more about common autoimmune diseases, symptoms, and help with finding a specialist for your autoimmune disorder, we recommend you start by visiting MedlinePlus.gov and ClevelandClinic.org.

Autoimmune Disease and Your Vein Health

Vein and autoimmune diseases are actually very similar. They are both common conditions that are often overlooked and underdiagnosed. Risks for vein disease include genetics, a sedentary lifestyle (including jobs where you sit or stand a lot), pregnancy, and obesity. Common symptoms of both include fatigue and chronic pain which can lead to depression and a sedentary lifestyle with obesity making matters worse.

You are probably asking yourself how autoimmune disease can increase your risk of varicose veins and blood clots and if there is anything you can do to prevent these complications. We are here to help you understand the impact of autoimmune disease on your vein health and how we can help you avoid complications down the road.

BETTER VEINS.
BETTER LIFE.® PLAN

It’s just 3 easy steps…

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SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

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HAVE YOUR LEGS EVALUATED

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ENJOY BETTER LOOKING BETTER FEELING LEGS

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

HAVE YOUR LEGS EVALUATED

ENJOY BETTER LOOKING BETTER FEELING LEGS

Autoimmune Disease Impact on Vein Health

Autoimmune diseases don’t cause venous disease, but associated sedentary lifestyle changes and weight gain are both risk factors for developing blood clots, varicose veins, and spider veins.

Knowing this, if you have an autoimmune disease, we recommend our conservative Better Veins for Life® principles. The goal of these principles is to help you feel better, slow the progression of your vein disease and lower the risks of blood clots, swelling, and skin changes.

We work in tandem with your primary care physician and autoimmune specialists to optimize your own immune system, too. Depending on your symptoms and level of disability, we may recommend:

  1. Pump your calf muscles whenever you can. Exercise is difficult when you’re in chronic pain or have other symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, or fatigue. You can do this while sitting or lying down. Pump your calf muscles to coax the blood flow back up to your heart. This helps prevent blood from pooling in the veins.
  2. Speak with your doctor about your weight and healthy ways you can reduce the burden of extra weight on your veins. We know chronic pain and other conditions impact the ability of some people to lose weight. Do your best, understanding that the added weight puts a strain on your veins, weakening them and increasing the risk of varicose veins
  3. Discuss treating your vein disease with your VSS Team. Correction of underlying vein disease using our VSS Comprehensive Vein Care protocol can lower your risks of blood clots and improve your quality of life.
  4. Optimize your autoimmune disease care with the goal of improving your quality of life and overall care. . .

Our Better Veins for Life® principles can be followed by most people with autoimmune diseases and other chronic health conditions. These include avoiding high heels and restrictive clothing that pinches, opting for compression stockings to improve circulation, and leg elevation.

Read more about our Better Veins for Life® principles.

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Vein Specialists of the South Macon

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Contact the Vein Specialists for Help

Do you already have varicose veins? Maybe you have a family history of venous disease and want to make sure your autoimmune disease doesn’t lead to more health concerns in the future. If you want to take control of your leg and vein health, please contact Vein Specialists of the South for an evaluation. We have convenient online appointment options available, and with three locations in Downtown Macon, Warner Robins, and Locust Grove, we make it easy for you to receive care and support for healthier veins and legs.

More To Explore

  

Choose Your Location

Macon: 478-743-2472

Warner Robins: 478-743-2472

Locust Grove: 470-880-8346

Are embarrassing Varicose Veins keeping you from wearing shorts?

  • Understand the underlying cause of varicose veins.
  • Determine if your unsightly varicose veins could be more than a cosmetic concern.
  • Learn what to expect at your vein evaluation.
  • Choose the best treatment options to meet your needs.

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