Vein problems are usually not a popular topic when talking about diseases or health conditions. People normally want to know how to manage their weight or avoid serious health problems such as cardiovascular illnesses. But did you know that it’s important to look after the condition of your veins? The circulatory system is made up of different complicated parts. Your veins are important because they bring back deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The arteries, on the other hand, delivers the oxygenated blood from the heart to all parts of the body.
Venous Disorders
If you’re concerned about your overall wellness, you should invest in yourself by eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep. Over time, venous hypertension and chronic venous insufficiency can develop. To prevent this condition, it’s important to maintain healthy body weight, proper cholesterol levels, and an adequate intake of fluids and nutrients. You should also learn how to take care of your veins and understand the problems that you can have with your veins.
Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- There are two main types of venous disorders: One is acute venous disease or AVD, which develops suddenly and painlessly. The other is the chronic venous disease or CVD, which takes years to develop and only becomes apparent after a while.
- Both involve the body’s veins, but in slightly different ways. Acute venous disorders can be resolved through simple leg sclerotherapy treatments, whereas chronic venous disorders require medical intervention.
- There are many symptoms associated with venous disorders; some of which include swelling, redness, itching, burning sensation, and pain. Additional symptoms may include fever, fatigue, poor circulation, and skin rash. If you believe that you have one of these disorders, contact a physician right away for a complete diagnosis.
Top 4 Vein Problems
There are many possible causes of vein disease. A few of the possible causes include chronic venous insufficiency (CCV), pregnancy, obesity, age, and circulation problems. These are the top 4 vein problems that you may experience:
- Spider and Varicose Veins
Varicose veins appear as bulging and purplish veins around the legs or in the groin area. Because the veins are not functioning correctly, blood does not flow as it should and can pool causing the vein to look varicose or spider-like. These venous conditions are very unsightly and because the veins take up so much space on the surface of the body, they can greatly affect one’s appearance.
Spider veins, on the other hand, occur when the veins near the skin’s surface pool blood. These venous disorders affect the legs, feet, ankles, and face. Although not painful, spider veins can be very unattractive so people have them treated for aesthetic reasons. Varicose veins and spider veins can be the result of poor circulation, but sometimes the condition is a result of poor diet, hormone levels, obesity, pregnancy, or genetics.
- Pulmonary Thrombosis
Pulmonary thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a lung or a chest cavity. This condition is serious and if not treated immediately can cause death. When blood clots in the lungs, the air sacs must be inflated to allow enough air to circulate through the body. If the air sacs are unable to do so, the clot will begin to break free, traveling through the lungs, and possibly into the chest cavity. Pulmonary thrombosis is also a major cause of leg ulcers.
- Telangiectasia
Telangiectasia is another serious venous disease that causes the veins to become swollen, firm, and darker in color. This venous disease is usually caused by the buildup of scar tissue and is extremely difficult to treat. Typically, individuals suffering from telangiectasia will notice redness, swelling, and a cracking sound when they move their legs. The affected areas of the skin will often be discolored and may have streaks of bluish-green blood.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
This condition is caused when a blood clot forms in a deep vein within the lower leg. Blood clots are known as a thrombus, which is a solid form of blood that tends to stick to the walls of veins. If a blood clot does not form, it will travel to another part of the body and then pool there. Deep vein thrombosis can happen in either legs or any one particular extremity. can happen in either legs or any one particular extremity.
Takeaway
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you’ll need to see a doctor right away. These signs are usually early warning signs of vein disease that can be easily treated with medication and/or surgery. Some people experience vein disease that clears up on its own over time, while others may need immediate medical assistance. Leg swelling or numbness is common when there’s an underlying vein disease, but you’ll typically feel better in a few days with treatment.
Some medications can be used to help with the discomfort, and some people choose to go to the hospital for help if the symptoms become unbearable. If you have long-term problems with your legs, it’s important to visit a physician for an evaluation.