Vein Disease Signs & Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Vein disease refers to conditions caused by abnormal veins or those that become diseased over time. Vein disease is serious, because it impact blood flow throughout the body, which can in turn affect how much oxygen your body receives. Because vein disease can lead to serious health problems, it is important to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of vein disease in its earliest stages.
Recognizing Varicose Veins
The formation of varicose veins may one of the earliest visible signs of vein disease. These diseased veins appear on the surface of the skin as blue or purple lines. The veins may bulge and twist above the skin’s surface, and are often found inside the thighs or behind the knee. The appearance of varicose veins may occur at any time of life, but are most prevalent during and after pregnancy.
In some cases, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic problem. However, some patients experience uncomfortable symptoms with their varicose veins, including:
- Achiness or heaviness in the legs
- Swelling or cramping, particularly in the lower legs
- Itchy, dry skin around the affected veins
- Skin discoloration around the affected veins
- Wounds on the lower leg that do not heal
Patients that experience any of these symptoms should talk to a medical provider about the potential causes and treatment options. There are many techniques for removing varicose veins today, which can result in relief from painful symptoms and improved appearance of the legs.
Avoiding Complications
Varicose veins can sometimes lead to conditions where blood clots form in the superficial or deep veins of the legs. These clots can break loose from their original location and travel to vital body organs like the heart, brain and lungs. In these situations, the clot can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition like a heart, stroke or pulmonary embolism.
When sudden swelling occurs in a leg, it could indicate a blood clot has formed. Prompt medical attention is essential to diagnose the reason for the swelling and administer fast and appropriate medical treatment.
Venous disease is a serious condition that warrants medical attention as soon as possible. If you are concerned about symptoms you have experienced recently, contact Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan for a full evaluation of your condition and to learn your treatment options.
