Varicose veins are much more than just a cosmetic problem or a sign of aging. Often you can tell by observing the signs and symptoms of varicose veins. When varicose veins and symptoms are present, it can be a sign of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). The doctors at Inovia Vein Specialty Centers can help you better understand your options by discussing your signs and symptoms in a vein consultation.
If indicated, we can offer a number of medical and surgical treatments for this medical condition. It starts by understanding the signs and symptoms of varicose veins.
Signs of Varicose Veins
- Bulging large veins that are visible just under the surface of the skin.
- Swelling of your ankles and feet that worsens as the day goes on.
- Painful, achy, or “heavy” legs.
- Throbbing or cramping in your legs.
- Itchy legs, especially on the lower leg and ankle. This is often misdiagnosed as simply “dry skin”.
- Discolored skin below the knees, especially around the ankles.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
- Leg pain, aching, swelling, heaviness or fatigue.
- Burning or itching of legs.
- Ankle discoloration and/or ulcers, open wounds or sores.
- Restless leg syndrome or cramps.
- Bleeding from varicose veins.
- Clots in the varicose veins.
Vein Problems are Common
Over 40% of the adult population suffers from some form of venous disease. In fact, almost half of men and women can expect to develop some sort of venous disease before they reach their 60’s. People most likely to develop venous insufficiency:
- Have a family history of varicose veins.
- Are or have been pregnant.
- Have work requiring prolonged standing.
- Have a history of leg injuries or clots.
Options for Treating Venous Disease Include:
- Watchful waiting
- Conservative management including walking, leg elevation and compression stockings
- Surgical management with one of the minimally invasive office-based techniques. This includes options such as Closurefast, Venaseal and Varithena as well as sclerotherapy.
Vein issues are very common, therefore understanding your options is important. Our doctors at the Inovia Vein Specialty Centers can evaluate your symptoms and, with the assistance of a venous ultrasound, help determine the best solution for treating your venous disease. Consequently, you can decide if watchful waiting, compression, or some of the procedures available to treat this common problem are for you.
