LEARN ABOUT VARICOSE VEINS VEIN DISEASE
Understand why varicose veins
isn't just a cosmetic issue.
isn't just a cosmetic issue.
VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins are often misunderstood as simply a cosmetic issue, but when left untreated, they can progress into a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).1
*This is two clinician's experience. Results may vary.
VEIN DISEASE
Healthy leg veins have valves that keep blood flowing to the heart. Vein disease develops when the valves stop working properly and allow blood to flow backward (i.e., reflux) and pool in the lower leg veins.1
Signs and Symptoms3
- Varicose veins
- Aching or pain
- Swelling
- Cramping
- Heaviness or tiredness
- Itching
- Restlessness
- Skin changes
- Brown, colored skin
- Open sores or ulcers
Risk Factors3
- Family history
- Lack of exercise
- Leg injury or trauma
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Obesity or excess weight
- Current or previous pregnancies
- Smoking
TREATMENT
The goal of treatment for vein disease is to reduce or stop the backward flow of blood.
The following may be prescribed to treat varicose veins. A doctor can help decide which treatment is best:
- Compression stockings
- Removing diseased vein
- Closing diseased vein (through thermal or nonthermal treatment)
With proper treatment, the progressive symptoms of vein disease are preventable.
After treatment in some cases, signs and symptoms may progress and may impact quality of life, and this may lead to venous leg ulcers.1
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RELATED CONTENT
1
Eberhardt RT, Raffetto JD. Chronic venous insufficiency. Circulation. 2014;130:333-346.
2
Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The Care of Patients with Varicose Veins and Associated Chronic Diseases: Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. May 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S-48S.
3
Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Conditions and Diseases. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/chronic-venous-insufficiency. Accessed May 14, 2019.