Do you have Venous Disease and not know it?

By Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC

Are you worried about your varicose veins?

A lot of people who have venous insufficiency or vein disease do not realize they have it or how straightforward it is to treat. Symptoms of venous insufficiency or vein disease are progressive and can start as early as your teens and twenties, but will only get worse over time. With a visit to a vein specialist for a short exam and duplex ultrasound, you can quickly find out if you have any varicose veins risk factors and what is involved in varicose veins treatment which can alleviate your pain and discomfort. This is the fastest and easiest way to improved quality of life!

Aside from visual or bulging veins, most people notice one or more of the following symptoms:

  • leg fatigue, a sense that "my legs feel tired"
  • aching legs
  • legs that feel heavy
  • restless legs
  • night cramps
  • swelling of your ankles and/or legs
  • itching legs
  • numbness of the legs

How Long Does it Take Venous Disease to Progress?

Typically, these symptoms get progressively worse with time. The symptoms are more noticeable at the end of the day, particularly in those who stand or sit for long periods of time. Cramping and restlessness associated with vein disease are usually worse at night, oftentimes waking sufferers from sleep. Some people have to get out of bed and walk or stretch to get the leg cramping or restlessness to go away. Symptoms such as itching, burning, fatigue, and leg swelling are worse in the summer months. Heat will affect varicose veins making them dilated and more difficult for the body to get the blood back up to the heart. It is the pooling and back flow (venous reflux) of blood in the veins that makes the symptoms worse. In women, symptoms are intensified during menstruation, pregnancy, or when taking hormones or birth control.

Many patients have a familial history of venous disease: either a parent, grandparent, or other relative has venous insufficiency. Unfortunately, vein disease, like all chronic conditions, will progress as one gets older. There are numerous veins in the legs, and the rate at which they become abnormal varies greatly from person to person.

Can Varicose Veins Be Cured?

Currently, there is no cure for varicose veins or medication that can be taken to prevent venous insufficiency or the associated symptoms. There are, however, many modern treatments to improve quality of life with less pain and discomfort. These treatments don't require hospital stays or major surgery and many patients can literally "go dancing" at the end of the visit.

Venous disease is a condition which requires long-term management based upon each individuals’ symptoms and comorbid conditions. Varicose vein treatments typically combine several options to appropriately manage an individuals’ specific disease process.

A full evaluation of your veins and vascular health to address any venous issue before they become worse and predispose you to a higher risk of potential complications is recommended for anyone who has aggressive symptoms that won’t go away.

 

If you have ANY concerns about your veins and would like a vascular health assessment, we are here for you!.  

We offer a comprehensive vein examination, assessment, and consultation to identify any varicose veins risk factors you may have.
Posted in Causes of Varicose Veins, Venous Insufficiency

About Jilanne Rose, DNP ANP-BC

Jilanne is Phoenix Metros only Doctorate Nurse Practitioner that has been trained extensively by a Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon, an Interventional Radiologist, and an Interventional Cardiologist. Dr. Rose is highly regarded by patients and physicians who seek her out because of her expertise in vein disease, her commitment to compassionate care, and her excellent success rates. As a peripheral vascular specialist that has performed well over 10,000 vascular interventions, Dr. Rose is dedicated to helping patients achieve a pain free, healthy and happy life.