Vein Disease
The function of the venous system is to return blood back to the heart. Venous disease is a condition where the veins become abnormal and are unable to return the blood properly. Venous disease can progress and worsen if not treated. Additionally, venous disease can lead to an increased risk of blood clots.
Common Vein Issues
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT)
- Venous Reflux/Insufficiency
- Varicose Veins
- Spider Veins
Common Symptoms of Venous Disease
- Aching
- Fatigue, heaviness in legs
- Pain — throbbing, burning, stabbing
- Cramping, especially at night
- Swelling
- Itchiness around the lower calf and ankle
- Restless legs
- Numbness
- Skin discoloration
- Hardening of the skin
- Ulcer formation on the lower leg
- Phlebitis
Vein Disease Risk Factors
- The primary risk factor for venous disease is heredity. If both your parents had vein problems, there's an 89 percent chance you will, too.
- Age is another factor. Though venous disease can develop in your teens, it does become more prevalent as you age.
- Women are three times more likely to develop varicose veins than men due to hormonal factors.
- The chance of developing varicose veins increases with each pregnancy because of the fluctuating hormones and also because the growing baby puts pressure on the mother's pelvic veins.
- Obesity is a factor, due to increased pressure on the veins.
- Standing and sitting professions also increase the likelihood of developing venous disease. Without proper muscle contractions, blood can pool in the legs and cause varicose veins.
- Trauma from an accident or from a medical procedure that damages the vein can eventually lead to varicose veins.
Contact Piedmont Augusta's Vein Center
1350 Walton Way
POB 5, Suite 5500
Augusta, Ga.
706.774.7012
