Venous disease is a condition (or conditions) that occur due to veins becoming abnormal or diseased. These problems include chronic venous insufficiency, leg pain and swelling, spider veins and varicose veins, phlebitis, leg ulcers, leg skin changes, and varicose malformations.
Often, these conditions damage the veins (which are responsible for transporting the blood back to the heart after the body has used the oxygen in it).
What are the symptoms of venous disease?
The early stages of the venous disease may not present any symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, a range of signs affecting the leg may be realized. Based on the kind of venous disease that one has, the symptoms may include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Fatigue
- Throbbing
- Swelling
- Pain
People in specific categories have a higher risk of developing the venous illness; this consists of those who are:
- Overweight
- Smoking
- Female
- Physically inactive
- Pregnant
- Older
- Have a family history of the disease
Diagnosis
If a patient notices any or a combination of the symptoms above, they should consult with a Boise venous disease treatment expert immediately. Often, these specialists will conduct a physical assessment and may order diagnostic and laboratory tests to look at how well the blood is passing through the veins.
Treat venous disease to avoid dangerous complications
The most common symptom of the venous disease is the appearance of spider or varicose veins in the leg area, which may seem harmless from the surface. However, if unattended to, the infection can result in much more severe complications like deep vein thrombosis, bleeding and ulcers. Deep vein thrombosis is life-threatening, as the blood clot can make its way to the lungs.
Services and treatment
The physician may suggest healthy lifestyle changes, compression therapy, compression stockings or medication such as blood thinners and so one. Non-surgical procedures like vena cava filtering, angioplasty & stenting, endovenous thermal ablation or sclerotherapy, may also be used to address the venous disease.
If the condition is severe, the doctor may recommend bypass surgery, valve repair surgery, subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) or ligation and stripping.
No shortage of treatment options
Luckily, patients have access to a vast spectrum of available treatment – but often, the best approach is to take a proactive step to enhance the flow of blood through the legs. For example, a standard procedure that physicians suggest for the venous disease is for one to wear compression stockings. Compression stockings are uniquely-made socks that gently compress the veins in the legs to improve blood circulation and minimize pain in the area. In some cases, raising the legs periodically across the day could suffice.
Patients who are experiencing skin irritation may ask the specialist about topical creams and moisturizers. Based on the severity of the condition, the doctor may prescribe a medicated ointment or suggest an over-the-counter medicine.
One may also alleviate the symptoms by embracing a healthier lifestyle to boost better circulation, such as through eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding standing or sitting for extended periods.
