Find relief from pain, swelling, and unsightly veins.
Healthy veins are essential to living. They work alongside our arteries to carry blood throughout the body and back to the heart. Our circulatory system does this a million times over in a lifetime. A healthy vein can easily manage the return of the blood back up to the heart, against gravity through the use of one-way valves. As we age there is a decrease in our vein elasticity and the valves become ineffective. Blood begins to pool causing the vein to stretch and become swollen and knotted. When this happens, visible varicose veins appear. Vein disease has a strong genetic link and tends to run in families. Females are more likely to develop varicose veins due to hormones and the stress of pregnancy. Occupational requirements are also a big risk factor in the development of varicose veins.
Without a healthy set of veins, your body cannot operate at its best. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek treatment. At Chuback Medical Group, we provide complete and thorough diagnostic testing. With venous ultrasound, we can determine the extent of venous insufficiency and the necessary series of treatments you will need. In our state-of-the-art facility, we offer several minimally invasive procedures that will treat your venous insufficiency without interfering with your everyday lifestyle. It is our goal to improve the health of your legs, and restore the energy you almost forgot you once had!
Approximately 20 to 30 million people in the United States suffer from venous disorders, both men and women alike. The most common underlying issue is Chronic Venous Insufficiency or CVI. This condition occurs when the vein wall dilates and the valves stop working properly, leading to blood pooling in the legs. This is also known as venous stasis. This can very often lead to bulging varicose veins, spider veins, and symptoms, including but not limited to, heaviness, swelling, calf cramps, itching, and burning pain. While usually not life-threatening, venous disorders still affect your circulatory system and can lead to more serious complications. If left untreated, they may progress to ulceration and blood clots.
Without a healthy set of veins, your body can not operate at its best. Your veins are responsible for transporting blood from your extremities back to your heart, where it is oxygenated and recirculated. When your veins are healthy they can easily move blood against the force of gravity, but if vein disease is present this task becomes much more difficult.
Your veins rely on elastic walls and a series of small one-way valves to ensure blood travels towards the heart instead of pooling in your legs and ankles. Vein wall elasticity decreases as people age, increasing the chance of swollen, knotted varicose veins. Heredity, gender, and occupational requirements like having to stand for long periods of time can also contribute to this issue.
Fortunately, there are a number of safe, effective, and virtually pain-free treatments available to address vein issues before complications occur.
Heredity. There are a number of risk factors associated with varicose and spider veins. The most common contributing factor is heredity. If one parent has varicose veins, there is approximately a 50-60% chance you will too. If both of your parents have varicose veins there is a 90% chance you will also suffer from venous insufficiency!
Gender. Gender also has a role to play. An estimated 50% of American women suffer from spider and varicose veins, while only 40% of the over 40 male population has venous disorders. Fortunately, these problems are easily treatable for both genders.
Hormonal factors. Greater vein disease susceptibility often corresponds with hormonal changes. Women are more likely to experience circulation issues during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Birth control pills, estrogen, and progesterone can also increase a woman’s risk. Women who are pregnant are more likely to develop varicose veins, particularly during their first trimester. Hormone levels and blood volume increase during pregnancy, causing enlarged veins. The enlarged uterus can also increase pressure on the veins, further increasing a woman’s risk. Fortunately, most women find that their varicose veins improve within three months after giving birth, although, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain.
Other causes. Aging, obesity, leg injury, and standing occupations can also predispose an individual to vein disease. Some of the most common occupations that are affected are teachers, hairdressers, medical personal, and retail workers. People who are at risk should watch for bulging varicose veins on the legs, changes in skin color or texture, and swollen ankles.
Chronic Venous insufficiency can present in a number of different ways:
Millions of American men and women experience unsightly and uncomfortable varicose veins every year. Valve damage and a lack of vein elasticity are to blame for many of these cases.
Speak with Dr. Chuback to learn more about how to prevent varicose veins, as well as find answers to your questions about varicose vein consequences and treatments.
Speak with Dr. Chuback to learn more about how to prevent varicose veins, as well as find answers to your questions about varicose vein consequences and treatments.