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
Venous insufficiency may also manifest itself as leg swelling, skin discoloration, and eventual scarring of the skin and fat to the underlying muscle (stasis dermatitis or lipodermatosclerosis). Lipodermatosclerosis is a significant risk factor in the development of recurrent skin infections and a precursor to venous ulceration. Venous ulcers are typically the result of incidental skin trauma such as a bug bite, dishwasher door, skin biopsy or other event which causes and opening in the diseased skin. These wounds often 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. Leg wounds are usually related to one of three causes; venous disease, arterial disease or nerve damage (neuropathy). Non-healing leg wounds should be evaluated early in their course to determine which of these causes are most likely responsible. Wounds need oxygen delivery, granulation and contraction. Venous insufficiency impairs all 3 of these processes through the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues as a result of leaky valves causing high venous pressure in the legs. Once the culprit veins are treated, edema resolves and oxygen diffusion improves, leading to healthy granulation tissue and finally wound contraction or closure.
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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.