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Vein Symptom Guide

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Vein Overview
Vein Disorders
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Superficial Venous Thrombosis (SVT)
Swelling of Foot, Leg, and/or Ankle
Leg Pain and Aching
Leg Heaviness or Fatigue
Leg Cramps
Restless Legs
Burning or Itching Skin

More than 80 million people in the United States have problems with their veins, the vessels that return blood to the heart once it has circulated through the body. Many people suffering from venous disorders come to vascular surgeons looking for treatment to either relieve pain or improve the visible appearance due to diseased veins.

Veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing in the proper direction. If these valves stop functioning the way they are supposed to, blood can flow backwards and pool in the vein branches, causing them to stretch and become varicose veins. This condition is known as venous insufficiency.

These enlarged blood vessels fall into two groups: spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins are visible on the surface of the skin as red, blue or purple lines. Varicose veins are larger and deeper and often look like bluish bumps under the skin.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are caused by a variety of factors, including heredity, pregnancy (and other conditions that involve changes in hormone levels), weight gain and long periods of standing and leg dependency. They often appear red or blue, and because they form on the face, thighs, calves and ankles, many patients are bothered by the way they look.

Others seek medical treatment for uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and cramping. The standard treatments for spider veins are sclerotherapy and laser or pulsed light treatments.

Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small, thin, blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They appear most commonly on the face and legs and may look like a series of lines, tree branches, or a spider- or web-like shape with a dark center. They serve no useful purpose in the body. It is estimated that they affect nearly half of adult women in the U.S.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins typically serve no useful purpose in the body. They are swollen, dark blue or purple blood vessels that you can see and feel beneath the skin. They often look like twisted cords or may take a straight path under the surface of the skin. Varicosities usually appear on the calves, inside or on top of the thigh, and around the ankles.Varicose veins form when the valves within a vein weaken and allow some blood to flow backward. The vein weakens under the additional strain and balloons outward, raising the skin surface. Patients often complain of aching, heaviness, swelling, throbbing, itching, cramping, restless legs and general discomfort with standing or dependency. However, some rather large varicose veins remain asymptomatic. Correct treatment often takes care of the discomfort associated with the condition. Some people with varicose veins seek cosmetic treatment to reduce their appearance on the legs. Sometimes, however, more significant problems can develop if veins are left untreated. Some patients go on to develop swelling, skin discoloration or rash at the calves and ankles with eventual ulceration of the skin. This is due to the elevated pressure at the skin level veins in the lower leg.

Treatment often takes care of the discomfort associated with the condition. Some people with varicose veins seek cosmetic treatment to reduce their appearance on the legs. Sometimes, however, more significant problems can develop if veins are left untreated. Some patients go on to develop swelling, skin discoloration or rash at the calves and ankles with eventual ulceration of the skin.

This is due to the elevated pressure at the skin level veins in the lower leg. Some enlarged varicose veins are prone to develop a superficial phlebitis which is a painful, firm clot in a varicose vein. In other cases veins can rupture and result in significant bleeding. For this reason, patients with varicose veins should be examined by a professional who specializes in vein treatment.

Reticular Veins

Also known as feeder veins, reticular veins are dilated veins that appear as blue or green lines under the skin, affecting as much as 80% of all adults. They are often large and unsightly and may lead to the development of spider veins in some patients. Some patients may experience tenderness, burning and itching in the legs, although these symptoms are considered rare.

These veins often develop as a result of genetic factors, but may also be caused by hormonal imbalances or weak veins. Although they do not often cause any painful symptoms or medical complications, many patients are bothered by the appearance of reticular veins and seek treatment to achieve clear, smooth skin.

Sclerotherapy is most often performed to treat reticular veins, while some cases can be treated with a miniphlebectomy, a less invasive alternative to sclerotherapy. Reticular veins should be treated before spider veins so as to prevent early recurrence of the spider veins. Your doctor will decide which treatment option is best for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that can occur when a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the body. DVT’s commonly are in the lower extremities, although they can occur in any deep vein within the body. DVT’s can occur spontaneously with an unknown etiology, but they are usually caused by lack of movement. Typical scenarios are a prolonged trip on a plane, car or train. It can also be caused by trauma.

Typical treatment for deep vein thrombosis may include blood thinners intravenously, subcutaneously or with oral medications. These medications prevent additional clot from forming. They do not dissolve the thrombus. In select cases “clot busting” medicine may be used to dissolve the clot.

The signs and symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis can include pain and/or swelling in the foot, ankle, calf or leg unexplained and is usually only in one extremity. There can be increased warmth to the skin and/or you can notice reddish-blue color changes to the skin of the extremity. Deep vein thrombosis can result in a pulmonary embolus, (PE). This is when the blood clot moves within the circulation and travel to the heart and lungs. This can be life threatening. If you have new onset leg pain, swelling and shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Episodes of DVT are diagnosed and monitored with non painful ultrasounds. After a few days of a new DVT, the clot adheres to the vein wall and the risk of PE diminishes. Swelling and discomfort may continue for months after a diagnosis of DVT.

Superficial venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis (SVT) is when a blood clot called a thrombus develops in a vein located near the surface of the skin, usually in the leg. Superficial thrombophlebitis can occur spontaneously, especially in the lower extremities in the great saphenous vein, its branches or in varicose veins. It can also occur in veins following trauma or an intravenous. The etiology of SVT is frequently unknown, however it is more common to occur in varicose veins. These abnormal dilated varicose veins have blood stagnating within them which predisposes the blood to clot. This condition presents as redness and tenderness along the course of the vein, usually accompanied by swelling.

It can also result in simultaneous deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, you should be evaluated by a physician and you may require a non painful ultrasound test. This will confirm the extent of your condition. Sometimes the thrombus can extend into the deep system veins, which may require treatment with a “blood thinner” anticoagulant. Superficial phlebitis pain and redness usually improves on its own, within a couple of weeks. The redness is secondary to inflammation and not infection. Antibiotics typically are not needed. The lumps or palpable cords may take a few months to disappear. Treatment usually consists of moist heat, leg elevation when not being active and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin or Naproxen.

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is also known as edema, which refers to an accumulation of fluid in this part of the body. The most common cause of ankle swelling is due to some degree of venous (circulation) or lymphatic damage.

Leg Swelling

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat?

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

People often get leg pain and aching due to circulation problems caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat: 

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Leg heaviness, or a sensation of aching fatigue in the legs, can be due to multiple cause including muscular disorders, joint issues, and circulatory disorders. A very common cause is venous insufficiency, or vein disease.

How we diagnose: 

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Cramping is often thought to be caused by deficiency of potassium or dehydration, while true this is not the most common cause. Most people who have reoccurring day or night leg cramps have a circulation problem.

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Restless leg, an uncontrollable urge to move your leg, is very often caused by leg circulation problems. Medication is often prescribed which tends to mask the actual problem.

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Leg burning or itching is often due to poor blood flow to the skin and oil glands. This is a very common symptom of a circulation problem.

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Vein Overview

More than 80 million people in the United States have problems with their veins, the vessels that return blood to the heart once it has circulated through the body. Many people suffering from venous disorders come to vascular surgeons looking for treatment to either relieve pain or improve the visible appearance due to diseased veins.

Veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing in the proper direction. If these valves stop functioning the way they are supposed to, blood can flow backwards and pool in the vein branches, causing them to stretch and become varicose veins. This condition is known as venous insufficiency.

These enlarged blood vessels fall into two groups: spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins are visible on the surface of the skin as red, blue or purple lines. Varicose veins are larger and deeper and often look like bluish bumps under the skin.

Vein Disorders

Spider Veins

Spider veins are caused by a variety of factors, including heredity, pregnancy (and other conditions that involve changes in hormone levels), weight gain and long periods of standing and leg dependency. They often appear red or blue, and because they form on the face, thighs, calves and ankles, many patients are bothered by the way they look.

Others seek medical treatment for uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and cramping. The standard treatments for spider veins are sclerotherapy and laser or pulsed light treatments.

Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small, thin, blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They appear most commonly on the face and legs and may look like a series of lines, tree branches, or a spider- or web-like shape with a dark center. They serve no useful purpose in the body. It is estimated that they affect nearly half of adult women in the U.S.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins typically serve no useful purpose in the body. They are swollen, dark blue or purple blood vessels that you can see and feel beneath the skin. They often look like twisted cords or may take a straight path under the surface of the skin. Varicosities usually appear on the calves, inside or on top of the thigh, and around the ankles.Varicose veins form when the valves within a vein weaken and allow some blood to flow backward. The vein weakens under the additional strain and balloons outward, raising the skin surface. Patients often complain of aching, heaviness, swelling, throbbing, itching, cramping, restless legs and general discomfort with standing or dependency. However, some rather large varicose veins remain asymptomatic. Correct treatment often takes care of the discomfort associated with the condition. Some people with varicose veins seek cosmetic treatment to reduce their appearance on the legs. Sometimes, however, more significant problems can develop if veins are left untreated. Some patients go on to develop swelling, skin discoloration or rash at the calves and ankles with eventual ulceration of the skin. This is due to the elevated pressure at the skin level veins in the lower leg.

Treatment often takes care of the discomfort associated with the condition. Some people with varicose veins seek cosmetic treatment to reduce their appearance on the legs. Sometimes, however, more significant problems can develop if veins are left untreated. Some patients go on to develop swelling, skin discoloration or rash at the calves and ankles with eventual ulceration of the skin.

This is due to the elevated pressure at the skin level veins in the lower leg. Some enlarged varicose veins are prone to develop a superficial phlebitis which is a painful, firm clot in a varicose vein. In other cases veins can rupture and result in significant bleeding. For this reason, patients with varicose veins should be examined by a professional who specializes in vein treatment.

Reticular Veins

Also known as feeder veins, reticular veins are dilated veins that appear as blue or green lines under the skin, affecting as much as 80% of all adults. They are often large and unsightly and may lead to the development of spider veins in some patients. Some patients may experience tenderness, burning and itching in the legs, although these symptoms are considered rare.

These veins often develop as a result of genetic factors, but may also be caused by hormonal imbalances or weak veins. Although they do not often cause any painful symptoms or medical complications, many patients are bothered by the appearance of reticular veins and seek treatment to achieve clear, smooth skin.

Sclerotherapy is most often performed to treat reticular veins, while some cases can be treated with a miniphlebectomy, a less invasive alternative to sclerotherapy. Reticular veins should be treated before spider veins so as to prevent early recurrence of the spider veins. Your doctor will decide which treatment option is best for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that can occur when a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the body. DVT’s commonly are in the lower extremities, although they can occur in any deep vein within the body. DVT’s can occur spontaneously with an unknown etiology, but they are usually caused by lack of movement. Typical scenarios are a prolonged trip on a plane, car or train. It can also be caused by trauma.

Typical treatment for deep vein thrombosis may include blood thinners intravenously, subcutaneously or with oral medications. These medications prevent additional clot from forming. They do not dissolve the thrombus. In select cases “clot busting” medicine may be used to dissolve the clot.

The signs and symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis can include pain and/or swelling in the foot, ankle, calf or leg unexplained and is usually only in one extremity. There can be increased warmth to the skin and/or you can notice reddish-blue color changes to the skin of the extremity. Deep vein thrombosis can result in a pulmonary embolus, (PE). This is when the blood clot moves within the circulation and travel to the heart and lungs. This can be life threatening. If you have new onset leg pain, swelling and shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Episodes of DVT are diagnosed and monitored with non painful ultrasounds. After a few days of a new DVT, the clot adheres to the vein wall and the risk of PE diminishes. Swelling and discomfort may continue for months after a diagnosis of DVT.

Superficial Venous Thrombosis (SVT)

Superficial venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis (SVT) is when a blood clot called a thrombus develops in a vein located near the surface of the skin, usually in the leg. Superficial thrombophlebitis can occur spontaneously, especially in the lower extremities in the great saphenous vein, its branches or in varicose veins. It can also occur in veins following trauma or an intravenous. The etiology of SVT is frequently unknown, however it is more common to occur in varicose veins. These abnormal dilated varicose veins have blood stagnating within them which predisposes the blood to clot. This condition presents as redness and tenderness along the course of the vein, usually accompanied by swelling.

It can also result in simultaneous deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, you should be evaluated by a physician and you may require a non painful ultrasound test. This will confirm the extent of your condition. Sometimes the thrombus can extend into the deep system veins, which may require treatment with a “blood thinner” anticoagulant. Superficial phlebitis pain and redness usually improves on its own, within a couple of weeks. The redness is secondary to inflammation and not infection. Antibiotics typically are not needed. The lumps or palpable cords may take a few months to disappear. Treatment usually consists of moist heat, leg elevation when not being active and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin or Naproxen.

Swelling of Foot, Leg, and/or Ankle

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is also known as edema, which refers to an accumulation of fluid in this part of the body. The most common cause of ankle swelling is due to some degree of venous (circulation) or lymphatic damage.

Leg Swelling

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat?

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Leg Pain and Aching

People often get leg pain and aching due to circulation problems caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat: 

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Leg Heaviness or Fatigue

Leg heaviness, or a sensation of aching fatigue in the legs, can be due to multiple cause including muscular disorders, joint issues, and circulatory disorders. A very common cause is venous insufficiency, or vein disease.

How we diagnose: 

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Leg Cramps

Cramping is often thought to be caused by deficiency of potassium or dehydration, while true this is not the most common cause. Most people who have reoccurring day or night leg cramps have a circulation problem.

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Restless Legs

Restless leg, an uncontrollable urge to move your leg, is very often caused by leg circulation problems. Medication is often prescribed which tends to mask the actual problem.

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)

Burning or Itching Skin

Leg burning or itching is often due to poor blood flow to the skin and oil glands. This is a very common symptom of a circulation problem.

How we diagnose:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Assessment
  • Ultrasound
  • Treatment Plan

How we treat:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (Closurefast, Venclose)
  • Compounded Sclerotherapy
  • Micro-foam Sclerotherapy
  • Non thermal Ablation (Venaseal)