The Relationship between Vein Disease and Swollen Legs and Ankles
Vein disease is common in the United States and the symptoms often go undiagnosed. According to the American College of Phlebology, 80 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of vein disease. Varicose veins are very common, but often overlooked simply because the patient cannot always see veins bulging on the surface. Veins can be affected deeper within the leg and be invisible to the naked eye, many varicose veins are internal. For this reason, symptoms are frequently wrongfully attributed to other reasons leaving the actual culprit untreated and the patient frustrated from the pain, aching, itching or cramping they may feel in their lower legs.
More telling symptoms..
One key symptom of vein disease is the swelling of your legs and ankles. With Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), the veins in the legs can no longer pump blood back to the heart properly due to weakened or faulty valves within the veins. CVI leads to a backup of blood and increased pressure in the veins, thereby resulting in edema of the legs and feet. Signs you’re experiencing edema would include experiencing swelling in your legs and ankles that seems to be better in morning or when you put your feet up for an extended amount of time. If your leg swelling and pain seem to worsen after you’ve been on your feet all day, this is another indication of edema.
CVI is a problem localized to the legs, ankles, and feet. One leg may be more affected than the other (asymmetrical edema) depending on which veins are affected. On the other hand, systemic diseases that are associated with fluid retention generally cause the same amount of edema in both legs, and can also cause edema and swelling elsewhere in the body. Patients are commonly put on water pills to reduce swelling, however, this technique is not effective if the swelling is due to vein disease and the patient will have to take further more crucial steps to gain relief.
Why is leg swelling cause for concern?
If CVI is left untreated, leg swelling can lead to other, more serious skin problems such as stasis dermatitis. This is skin inflammation that develops in people with poor circulation. It most often occurs in the lower legs because that’s where blood typically collects due to edema. People with stasis dermatitis usually experience swollen legs and feet, open sores, or itchy and reddish skin and eventually ulcers. If left untreated, stasis dermatitis can lead to: chronic leg ulcers, permanent scarring and cellulitis (a potentially serious bacterial skin infection). Cellulitis occurs when bacteria enter a break in the skin and then continues to spread.
New Knowledge and Treatments
It was often thought that tired, heavy and swollen legs were just a part of getting older. Now, we are fortunate enough to have new technology to assist with the damaged veins that are actually the cause of many of our leg woes. If you are experiencing leg and/or ankle swelling it is important to speak to a doctor immediately. Getting medical treatment for your vein disease will stop fluid and toxins from pooling in these areas and improve your overall quality of life. And, as we discussed, it could also prevent future serious conditions.
Call Alpha Vein Clinic and let Dr Sassan Kaveh and his caring and knowledgeable staff evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Dr Kaveh uses the most up to date and minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and rid you of your vein disease and get you on track to excellent leg vein health.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh