The most common clinical presentations of venous insufficiency include spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins are smaller, more superficial veins, resulting in a network of red and purple spider web like marks on the legs. Varicose veins are larger, swollen, blue and purple ropey veins easily visible on physical exam. Varicose veins occur when the one way check valves in the superficial system of veins fail to close tightly. The veins just under the skin begin to bulge under this increased pressure and eventually the skin stretches and allows the veins to continue growing. Large varicose veins may throb, hurt or itch and on occasion my clot off or bleed through the skin. A significant number of the estimated 40 million adults in the United States suffer from this unsightly and often painful presentation of venous insufficiency. In addition to varicose veins patients may also complain of symptoms such as heavy, swollen, tired, restless or achy legs. Sitting or standing in the same position, such as during work, can cause worsening of the symptoms throughout the day. Left untreated, venous insufficiency generally progresses, with continued enlargement of the varicose veins and thinning of the overlying skin which can lead to erosion of the overlying skin and varicose vein bleeding or ulcerations.
Vein Symptoms
Severe Signs
The most recognized physical signs of venous insufficiency are spider veins and varicose veins. However, if venous insufficiency is unrecognized or inadequately treated, physical signs often progress and may include lower extremity swelling, skin pigmentation and thickening (stasis dermatitis), external hemorrhage from varicose or spider veins and possible ulceration. Stasis dermatitis is related to scarring of the skin and fat to the underlying muscle where the skin takes on a woody texture and is prone to injury and has difficulty healing. These skin changes are also referred to as lipodermatosclerosis, and is a significant risk factor in the development of recurrent skin infections and eventual venous ulcerations. Venous ulcers are typically the result of incidental skin trauma which have difficulty healing because of the unhealthy nature of the skin and extra fluid in the tissues which impairs the delivery of oxygen to the wounds. Small tears and simple wounds may fester for months and gradually grow larger. Early evaluation of the venous system is important in establishing the underlying cause of these wounds and in expediting the most effective treatment plan. Once the underlying venous condition is treated and the edema or swelling is corrected, oxygen can be transported to the tissues better resulting in healthier tissue and more rapid closure of the wound. Repeated wound care center visits and elaborate protocols including hyperbaric oxygen and repeated surgical debridement are unnecessary in the majority of cases of venous ulcers if the underlying cause is identified early and treated appropriately.
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Why choose Vein Specialists?
Vein Specialists’ state-of-the-art facility is designed to ensure the highest quality of care and best clinical experience possible for patients. Dr. Magnant has embraced three key concepts to build a successful practice: ability, affability, and availability.
Shop & Compare:
- We are the only IAC Accredited Vein Centers in Southwest Florida.
- Dr. Joseph Magnant is a Board Certified Vascular Surgeon.
- We have IAC Accredited Vascular Labs with full-time Registered Vascular Sonographers.
- We are a Medtronic Center of Excellence for physician training.
- We offer the latest technology in vein treatments including: ClosureFAST, LASER, VenaSeal, Varithena, Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), and Iliac Vein Stenting.