Signs & Symptoms
Signs & Symptoms of venous disease can range from small cosmetic issues to physically debilitating leg pain with or without ulcers. Below are illustrations describing the various manifestations. If you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, or if you have some doubts or concrens, come in for a vein consultation at one of our clinics. Our friendly staff will use ultrasound to check the veins and arrange to have you seen by Dr. V. If left untreated, these non functioning veins, due to the progressive nature of the disease, can lead to more serious problems such as blood clots and ulcers.
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Swelling (edema)
Caused by abnormal fluid build up due to non functioning veins.
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Bulging Varices
Caused by non functioning valves which dilates the vessels with time. This condition can only worsen due to its viscious cycle
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Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Usually noticed when going to bed. The inability to rest ones legs causes delay in sleep and rest. The cause is yet unknown, however, in a vast majority of cases, RLS disappear overnight when the offending veins are closed. This does not gaurantee that all RLS resolve but the results are very encouraging
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Lipodermatosclerosis
This condition occurs due to untreated veins and causes pain due to the skin being taut and stretched. In some cases, the shape of the leg has been described as an upside down champagne bottle.
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Corona Phlebectasia
This is the crown like appearance of veins in the medial ankle area and is a sign of high pressure veins above.
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Hyperpigmentation
This occurs when the fluid part of the blood leaks out of the vessel settles in surrounding tissue. The sun, inflamation, or injuries then cause further damage to the area which is unable to heal as fast as normal healthy tissue.
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Healed Leg Ulcers
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Leg Ulcers
Non functioning vein have increased backward pressure which stagnates flow resulting in less oxygen and nutrients transfer to local tissue, and eventually skin break down. Venous leg ulcers can be very painful and certainly are unsightly. Treatment consists of vein closure and compression stockings. They can take between 3 months to 18 months to heal and in some cases longer