How do I know if I have vein disease?
Most patient’s come to realize they have vein disease by either visually recognizing an abnormal vein, or by experiencing symptoms. Many veins can be seen by looking at the size and color of the vein at the skin surface. Occasionally, however, the diseased vein may be deeper in the leg and not visible through the skin. As a result, paying close attention to other symptoms is important in diagnosing vein disease. Symptoms include cramping, aching, burning, itching, soreness, or “tired” or “restless” legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, your physician can quickly and easily perform a test to determine if you have vein disease.
How common is vein disease?
Vein disease of the legs is an extremely common medical condition. Approximately half of the population has some form of vein disease. Varicose veins affect between 15 to 25% of all adults, and approximately 50% of all people over age 50. Women have a higher incidence of vein disease than men.
How does vein disease occur?
The single most important cause of vein disease is heredity. Approximately 70% of all patients with varicose veins have parents with the same condition. Pregnancy, obesity, and jobs requiring long periods of standing are contributing causes of vein disease.
What are the treatment options for vein disease?
Depending on the type and stage of vein disease, there are many different treatments. These treatment modalities include compression stockings, sclerotherapy, surgical stripping, microphlebectomy and endovenous laser therapy. Your physician can explain all of the options.
What can happen if varicose veins are not treated?
Varicose veins generally worsen over time. Initially, slight pain and restlessness in the diseased leg will be felt. If untreated, this pain will increase and will result in limitations in walking and cramps during sleeping. Eventually, varicose veins can lead to open sores on the foot and tissue loss.
What are the complications of vein treatment?
Fortunately, sclerotherapy and endovenous laser therapy have rarely been associated with any serious complications when properly performed. Common minor complications of these procedures include bruising, itching, tingling, tenderness and tightness in the treated leg. These post treatment symptoms can occur up to two weeks after treatment.
Will insurance cover the treatment?
Many insurance companies cover the treatment of vein disease that is associated with substantial pain and other complications. Individual insurance companies may limit the types of therapy that are covered. The staff of the Vein Center of Ventura will assist you in determining which treatments will and will not be covered by your insurance carrier.
Who are candidates for sclerotherapy?
Women and men of any age may be candidates for sclerotherapy, but most are 30 to 60 years in age. Spider veins are more common in women. Men do have spider veins, but often do not consider them to be a cosmetic problem because the veins are usually concealed by hair growth on the leg. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should postpone sclerotherapy treatment, as spider veins that occur during pregnancy usually disappear on their own. Further, it is not known how sclerosing solutions may affect breast milk.
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