Venous disease is a complex medical condition. Nearly 50 percent of the adult population suffers from undesirable, sometimes painful vein diseases.
Risk Factors of venous disease
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Family History
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Surgery
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Pregnancy
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Illness
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Prolonged Standing
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Prior episodes of blood clot formation
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Obesity
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Medication
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Trauma
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Lifestyle
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The most common form of venous disease are spider and varicose veins.
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Spider Veins are small blue or red vessels visible within the skin, usually on the leg, face, neck and chest. Spider veins are caused when small blood vessels just below the surface of the skin become damaged. They can form webs of blue, purple or red veins. These ‘spider veins’ rarely cause serious symptoms on their own, but can be an indication of a more serious underlying issues. Treatment for spider veins can range from laser treatments and Sclerotherapy. The number of sessions will vary depending on the degree and complexity.
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Varicose Veins are dilated and ropy appearing blue vessels visible under the skin, often a ¼ inch or larger in diameter. Varicose veins are caused when a damaged vein causes blood to flow in the wrong direction. When the vein does not function properly, blood pools, pressure builds up, and the veins become weakened, enlarged, and twisted. This is called venous insufficiency. The most common site of varicose veins is in the leg.
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- Some people may be more likely than others to develop varicose veins because of inherited characteristics (genetics) and the aging process. Varicose veins may also result from conditions that increase pressure on the leg veins, such as being overweight or pregnant or having an occupation that requires standing for long periods of time.
- People with varicose veins often may or may not have symptoms. If you have varicose veins, your legs may feel heavy, tired, achy, and painful. Symptoms may worsen after standing or sitting for long periods of time. Varicose veins can also cause skin color changes (stasis pigmentation), dry, thinned skin, skin inflammation, open sores (ulcerations), or bleeding after a minor injury.
- Superficial thrombophlebiti is when a blood clot and inflammation develop in a small vein near the surface of the skin and can develop in varicose veins.
- In some cases, varicose veins can signal a blockage in the deeper veins. This condition, called deep vein thrombosis, requires evaluation and possibly treatment.
Many times, a patient will initially ask to have the spider vein treated; often believing that it can happen with a single treatment. At Pacific Northwest Vein Center, we believe in treating the entire condition and just not the symptom. Our surgeon will examine your legs and feet and will provide a comprenhsive exam prior to making suggestions for treatment. In some cases, spider veins may be related to an underlying medical problem known as venous insufficiency or reflux ranging from itching or a dull ache to a throbbing pain and bleeding. An ultrasound may be necessary to determine if you have underlying problems in your deep veins (reflux) and that needs to be treated in order for the vein to be completely resolved.
Pacific Northwest Vein Center offers a complete package for varicose and spider vein treatment. We have the ability to treat your entire venous needs.
- Minimally invasive endovenous laser treatment
- Ligation
- Stripping
- Phlebectomy
- Compression stocking
- Sclerotherapy