Chronic Venous Disease: What You Need to Know

Chronic venous disease is a common disorder that occurs when the veins in your body become incapable of efficiently returning blood to the heart. This can result in minor problems like heaviness in the legs, or aching and unattractive looking veins. It can also bring on more significant problems like swelling, changes in skin color, skin infections and ulcers. Read on to learn more about chronic venous disease:

What causes chronic venous disease?
There are a number of ways chronic venous disease can develop. It can be via a clot inside your vein or as a result of a leg injury or surgery, both of which may block blood flow and cause pressure to build up. Another cause is weight gain brought on by either a pregnancy or from obesity, which can put excess pressure on your legs and damage your veins. If you sit or stand too long, that can also contribute to chronic venous disease, as blood circulation is compromised and can lead to increased vein pressure.

How do I know if I have it?
You may have chronic venous disease if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Widening veins. Also known as dilated veins, this is the most prominent symptom of chronic venous disease. Your veins are dilated when they look like spider veins (tiny, branch-like blue or purple veins) or wider, bulging veins known as varicose veins.
• Swelling. Standing for long periods of time can take its toll on the ankles and lower legs, and it can typically be alleviated with elevation.
• Changes in skin color. When there is increased pressure on your veins, it can cause the blood to pool and make the skin look red. This discoloration generally starts in the ankle, but can also be seen in your feet or shins.
• Open sores that don’t heal. These are known as venous ulcers and usually appear on the inside of the ankle. Venous ulcers start out as small sores and are sore to the touch. They can take months or even years to heal, and it is likely they will reappear later on.

How is chronic venous disease treated?
Fortunately, chronic venous disease is highly treatable. Your doctor will look at your skin to detect signs of the disorder, including swelling, varicose veins and skin changes or ulcers. If chronic venous disease is determined, it can generally be treated with a minimally invasive procedure using a local anesthetic during an in-office appointment.

Do you suffer from chronic venous disease? Contact Reeder Vein Institute.
For more information about treatment for chronic venous disease, contact us today. You can reach us directly at 682-499-5672 in Fort Worth.