Because symptoms develop over time, many people don’t feel a sense of urgency to see a doctor. It’s important to know that varicose veins and other vein issues can be a sign of venous disease that can get worse as we age.
“Fewer than four percent
of those with venous disease have been treated,” says board certified vascular
surgeon Dr. Robert Vorhies. “That’s a concern. Because if venous disease is
left untreated, there can be increased risk for blood clots, formation of
ulcers and changes in the color of your skin.”
Diseases of the veins
are much more common than arterial disease and can be hereditary. Dr. Vorhies
says 89 percent of patients have venous disease if both parents had vein
problems. Issues with veins can occur in people in their teens to their 90s.
Women are three times more likely than men to develop varicose veins.
“Other factors and
causes include pregnancy, obesity, trauma and sitting or standing for prolonged
periods of time,” says Dr. Vorhies.
In a healthy vascular
system, valve leaflets along the walls of our veins allow blood to flow back up
to the heart from our extremities. In venous disease, those valves fail to
close when the vein walls are dilated, causing a pooling of blood in the legs.
This leads to bulging of the branches of the larger veins. Compression hose can
provide some relief but they do not cure venous disease.
There is good news
Fortunately, several
treatment options for varicose veins and smaller spider veins can relieve
symptoms, improve appearance and prevent future complications. Treatments can
be conducted in the outpatient setting using local anesthesia in less than an
hour, with minimal recovery time. These therapies have a high success rate and
the results can be dramatic.
If you have a concern
about your vein health, Dr. Vorhies is available for a consultation and can
discuss treatment options that are right for you. Call 417-269-7444.
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