Literally millions of Americans have ongoing problems with the veins in their lower extremities. These conditions are uncomfortable, mar personal appearance and confidence, and may lead to serious health complications, such as blood clots. If you have noticeable changes in the skin color or texture of your legs, along with swollen ankles and feet, you may have vein disease. Here is more about it and about how your vein specialist in Boca Raton, FL, can help you.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Vein Disease in the Legs?
The symptoms of vein disease in the legs are many and varied. However, generally, people with chronic venous conditions in their legs, feet, and ankles exhibit a number of physical signs and symptoms that are particular to their condition.
Our cardiologists perform complete physical examinations and discussion of medical histories and conduct state-of-the-art imaging–most often ultrasound testing. With findings in hand, they develop and discuss treatment options to manage these sometimes stubborn and dangerous vein diseases.
The symptoms and conditions outpatients experience can include the following.
Swelling and Discoloration of the Skin
With a number of vein diseases, affected areas in the legs, ankles, and feet may swell and become discolored. This is due to excess fluid accumulation. Also, skin color may darken, and skin texture may thicken and become rough.
Varicose Veins
These are enlarged, twisted, rope-like veins seen just under the surface of the skin. They are caused by weak one-way check valves within the veins themselves. These incompetent valves allow blood to pool in the extremities, making it flow backward rather than returning to the heart.
Spider Veins
Similar to varicose veins, these smaller, thread-like clusters of red or blue veins appear on the surface of the skin. They also are the result of damaged or weak valves.
Leg Pain and Fatigue
Many people with vein disease experience achy, heavy or tired legs, especially after standing for long periods of time. Symptoms develop due to inefficient circulation, leading to uncomfortable fluid buildup (edema) and swelling in the lower extremities.
Restless Leg Syndrome
RLS causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by itching, tingling or cramping. While doctors do not fully understand the exact cause of restless leg syndrome, it may be linked to poor circulation and nerve dysfunction in the legs.
Skin Ulcers
As vein disease progresses, it can cause changes in skin texture and color, along with open wounds or ulcers on the lower legs and ankles. These wounds develop from increased pressure within the veins. In turn, this pressure damages the surrounding tissues. Ulcers can enlarge, leak fluid, and become infected.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
This is a serious vein condition. In DVT, blood clots form in one of the deep veins of the legs–not in the superficial blood vessels. Poor circulation and prolonged sitting or immobility can lead to life-threatening complications if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs.
What Are the Treatments for Vein Disease?
There are a number of treatments for vein disease. Your exact care plan will depend on your diagnosis, overall health, expectations, and more. Your vein doctor will outline your options for you as you discuss your diagnosis in detail at our vein clinic.
Here are the common treatments we use to help our patients enjoy the best possible vascular health.
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are a non-invasive and relatively low-cost treatment for vein disease. These specially designed, snug-fitting stockings improve circulation in the legs and prevent blood from pooling in the veins. They also reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
This is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure involving injections of a special solution directly into the affected veins. The solution causes the vein walls to collapse and stick together, eventually closing off the vein. Blood flow is then redirected to healthier veins, improving overall circulation and eliminating the aesthetic problems associated with small varicose veins and spider veins.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a more advanced treatment option. The vein specialist uses heat or laser energy to seal off damaged veins.
EVLT works well with larger varicose veins. It reduces the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Typically performed under local anesthesia, EVLT features a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is another minimally invasive procedure. It uses heat to close off damaged veins.
The vein doctor inserts a small catheter into the affected vein. The catheter emits controlled radio waves which cause the vein walls to collapse.
Iliac Vein Stenting
Iliac vein stenting is a highly advanced and reliable vein procedure most often used in treating May-Thurner Syndrome. May-Thurner Syndrome is a somewhat rare vein disease that involves compression of the iliac vein starting in the pelvis and running down the left leg.
In iliac vein stenting, the vein specialist places a stent, or tubular support, in the iliac vein to keep it open and functioning properly. This can improve blood flow and relieve any discomfort or pain caused by May-Thurner Syndrome.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medical treatments, making certain lifestyle changes can alleviate vein disease symptoms. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting improve venous function.
Also, patients should elevate the legs above the level of the heart. If you must sit or stand in one spot for your job or other reasons, be sure to take short movement breaks two to three times an hour. Wear loose-fitting clothing and shoes.
Finally, talk to your primary care physician about a monitored smoking cessation program. Cigarettes impede blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the extremities, thus contributing to chronic venous diseases.
Vein Disease Diagnosis and Treatment in Palm Beach
If you or your primary care physician are concerned about changes in the function and appearance of the veins in your lower legs, get a definitive diagnosis at the Advanced Heart & Vascular Institute. Our board-certified vascular experts are Dr. Eli Levine and Dr. Michael Schechter. They are well-versed and experienced in the care of ongoing vein diseases.
Our vein clinic in Boca Raton, FL, is fully staffed and equipped with the latest in imaging and treatment capabilities. Call (561) 235-5621 today for a consultation or request your visit here. We look forward to seeing you soon.
