Amid everyday health concerns, a silent condition often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage: Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) otherwise known as vein disease. Vein disease doesn’t sit still. Without treatment, it progresses and can lead to debilitating symptoms and severe complications. In this post, we delve into the importance of early detection and treatment of CVI, discussing its stages, symptoms and potential risks.
1 in 3 adults are affected by vein disease yet it’s a condition that often avoids diagnosis and treatment and is rarely discussed. We thought it was about time more people were made aware of this condition so let’s get started …
CVI refers to a type of venous disease which manifests when veins in your legs are damaged. Consequently, they struggle to manage blood flow efficiently, making it more difficult for the blood in the legs to return to your heart, which causes a variety of symptoms in the legs, ranging from mild to serious. Unfortunately, CVI doesn’t remain static and, if left untreated, gradually progresses. In the early stages, you may experience symptoms such as leg cramps, spider veins, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Over time, as the condition progresses, the symptoms can significantly worsen.
Because CVI is progressive, the symptoms will continue to worsen until the condition is addressed. Discomfort and pain are the body’s way of telling you that something is not quite right, and it’s important to listen and take action before the symptoms impact your quality of life. Taking a proactive approach to treating vein disease is the best way to prevent symptoms from worsening and to reduce the risk of serious, potentially life-threatening health complications.
The early signs of vein disease are frequently overlooked either because they’re infrequent and don’t impact daily life or because people think the symptoms are caused by something else. Symptoms such as aches and pains, swelling in the ankles and light cramps which are eased when you elevate your legs, are all possible symptoms of CVI and shouldn’t be dismissed as signs of aging. You may also notice spider veins on your legs that aren’t causing any pain. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to talk to a professional about a vein evaluation, just to be on the safe side.
As vein disease progresses your body will continue to insist that you seek medical attention. Restless legs may hamper your sleep and prevent you from enjoying your leisure time. Swelling and edema may get worse until it reaches a point where your ankles are so swollen that it’s almost impossible to tell them apart from your lower leg. On top of that, you’re likely to experience burning and tingling sensations, and the ache in your legs may limit your mobility and any time spent being active. Because of the faulty veins in your legs and compromised valve walls, you may also experience bulging varicose veins on your skin.
When your symptoms start to disturb your sleep, it’s time to contact a vein specialist for medical assistance. Sleep is integral to all aspects of your overall health as is the health of your circulatory system.
In the latter stages of vein disease, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to increasingly visible signs on your legs, often accompanied by more serious health concerns. If you notice any of the following symptoms of advanced vein disease, seeking medical treatment is essential.
Venous ulcers are born from long-standing vein disease and are wounds that take an age to heal or fail to heal altogether. They occur when oxygen-poor blood is unable to flow from the lower limbs to the heart. Instead, the blood pools, creating pressure in the veins. This damages the skin, causes an ulcer to form and simultaneously raises the risk of infection. Additional swelling and weeping from the wound can be painful. Some patients may also experience dry, flaky, or reddening skin. These symptoms can affect mobility or the ability to stand for prolonged periods. This, in turn, leads to a sedentary lifestyle which can make the vein symptoms worse. Due to these limitations, some patients need to use mobility aids like walking sticks or walkers.
Vein disease can lead to serious conditions that necessitate emergency intervention, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein. Unlike varicose veins, which are easily visible just beneath the skin's surface, the symptoms of DVT may not be apparent. As a result, these clots can remain undetected for an extended period. If a DVT develops in the legs, it carries the risk of dislodging and traveling to the lungs, potentially resulting in a pulmonary embolism, a condition that can be life-threatening.
Common warning signs of a DVT often include
DVTs are a common concern in those suffering from severe symptoms of CVI and may necessitate a visit to the emergency room due to the dangerous nature of the clot. A proactive approach to your vein health is the best way of minimizing the risk of DVT.
Timely detection and treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) are essential for preventing its advancement, reducing discomfort and pain, and alleviating related symptoms and complications. Consulting a healthcare professional at the first indication of vein disease and pursuing minimally invasive treatments can significantly enhance your quality of life.
At MINT STL we provide vein evaluations for all incoming patients allowing us to customize a treatment plan specific to your symptoms, concerns and lifestyle. Treatments are minimally invasive and generally take no longer than 30 minutes to complete.
We’re committed to raising awareness, promoting proactive healthcare and avoiding unnecessary suffering. By seeking successful treatment, you can show family and friends that they no longer have to live with the pain and discomfort associated with vein disease.
So schedule your vein consultation today and take the first step to improve awareness of vein disease. Meanwhile, if you’re wondering what contributes to vein disease and whether you can prevent it, this blog may be of interest to you.
