More than 30 million Americans, approximately 24% of the adult population, suffer from varicose veins and a more serious form of venous disease called Chronic Venous Insufficiency. If the disease is left untreated, varicose veins can progress to become chronic venous insufficiency with symptoms that worsen over time. As varicose veins progress to become Chronic Venous Insufficiency other painful symptoms like leg swelling, skin inflammation, skin discoloration and damage, venous ulcer, blood clots or spontaneous venous rupture may occur. Fortunately, diagnosing and treating this disease early can halt its progression.
To better inform you, we have also included several additional syndromes that may exist:
Restless leg syndrome:
Recent studies have shown that some people affected by restless legs also have a form of venous insufficiency. Those studies showed that treating the varicose veins or venous insufficiency also significantly improved the symptoms of restless legs. Any one suffering from restless legs should be screened for venous insufficiency with non invasive, painless Doppler venous ultrasound.
Superficial vein thrombosis or phlebitis:
Superficial vein thrombosis or phlebitis is an inflammation and thrombosis of superficial veins, which presents as painful swelling with erythema (redness) often in a linear cord patterns. Findings of tenderness, induration, pain and erythema along the course of superficial veins usually confirms the diagnosis. It is usually benign, however it can be complicated by deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Patients with varicose veins who present with superficial vein thrombosis or phlebitis should be checked for underlying venous insufficiency with Doppler venous ultrasound. Varicose veins or venous insufficiency left untreated may lead to recurrent episodes of phlebitis. If venous reflux or insufficiency is found in the underlying leg vein, it can be treated with minimally invasive, outpatient procedures.
Lymphedema:
Lymphedema is a chronic disease caused by an abnormality of the lymphatic system leading to an excessive accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the lower extremities. Some people are born with abnormalities of their lymphatic drainage system. Others may develop lymphedema due to skin infections, cancer treatement, injury, complications from obesity, circulatory problems, deep vein thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency, or a parasite known as filariasis. Lymphedema is a progressive disease if left untreated can lead to dangerous skin infection and increased morbidity.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms of varicose veins or spider veins, we can help you. We are the premier vein center in the Washington DC Metro area for treatment of varicose and spider veins. With multiple locations in Rockville, Germantown, Olney, and Laurel. Please call our offices at 301-670-3000.
