Understanding Vein Disorders

Vein disease is something that affects millions of Americans. In fact, by the age of 50, nearly 40 percent of women and 20 percent of men have significant vein disorders. Unfortunately, these disorders are progressive and will worsen over time.

The vein care specialists at Chicago Vein Clinic want to help identify the underlying vein disorder that is causing your discomfort and improve your quality of life through effective treatment.

Understanding vein disorders

Feeling pain or discomfort in your legs while performing normal daily activities may be a sign of an underlying vein disorder. You may notice your symptoms more after standing or sitting for a prolonged period of time. Common vein disorders include:

• Spider veins
  These are small, red or purple superficial veins that look like a spider web and appear on your face, neck or legs. They are generally considered a cosmetic issue and can typically be removed through a simple, minimally invasive sclerotherapy procedure. However, if you notice spider veins around your ankles, you may be suffering from a more serious venous condition.
• Varicose veins
  Large, bulging, ropy veins that appear on your legs are the warning signs of a serious vein disorder. Varicose veins appear when the valves inside the vein stop working properly and allow blood to flow backward and pool inside the vein. These weakened or dysfunctional valves are unable to push blood back up toward the heart, creating a condition known as venous reflux.
• Edema
  Venous insufficiency can cause blood to get stuck in the superficial and deep veins in the lower part of your leg. As a result, water and waste builds up under the skin and causes swelling, otherwise known as edema.
• Stasis dermatitis
  Stasis dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin in the lower legs caused by excess fluid. This inflammation develops as a result of untreated varicose veins, circulation issues or heart disease.

• Leg ulcer
  A venous leg ulcer is an open wound that usually forms in the lower part of the leg near the ankle as a result of chronically poor circulation. The skin around the ulcer is often discolored, dry and itchy. The leg ulcer itself is extremely painful and will require specialized treatment.

Learn more about the services we offer by calling our North Center location at 773-231-9884 or our Downtown Chicago location at 312-234-0750