Varicose Veins
Spider Veins
Spider veins are small, superficial, damaged veins that are usually on the surface on the legs, but can be fund anywhere on the body. The discolored veins can resemble a spider web or permanent bruise. Spider webs veins commonly occur simultaneously with other vein diseases but can also be independent.
Typically not painful, spider veins are considered unattractive and if left untreated can spread all over the legs.
Causes of Spider Veins
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Genetics: A family history of spider veins can increase your risk of developing them.
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Age: As we get older, the valves in our veins can become weaker, which can cause blood to pool and the veins to bulge.
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Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking birth control pills can increase the risk of spider veins.
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Obesity: Excess weight can put extra pressure on the veins in your legs, leading to spider veins.
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Prolonged standing or sitting: Being in one position for long periods of time can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of spider veins.
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Sun damage: Sun exposure can cause damage to the skin, which can make spider veins more visible.
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Injury or trauma: Injuries to the skin or veins can lead to the development of spider veins in the affected area.
If you are concerned about spider veins or are experiencing discomfort or pain, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Treatments
Treatment options include sclerotherapy and/or laser, depending on their location and size. If venous reflux is found within the superficial venous system in the same region of the spider veins, treatment of the reflux can help in preventing the spider veins from coming back after they are treated. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, causing the vein to scar. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades.
Visit us today at: 1140 Business Center Dr #403, Houston, TX 77043.
Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins are typically surface veins that are enlarged, twisted, swollen and/or bulging. Sometimes these dilated veins may not even be visible because they can lie beneath the skin. Factors such as age, genetics, pregnancy, and prolonged standing or sitting can increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
They can be due to underlying venous reflux disease which can be progressive. This means that symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated.
Symptoms
Aching pain/Cramping
Fatigue/Heaviness
Swelling/Lymph edema
Inflammation/Phlebitis
Leg distortion/Itching Skin
Leg Ulcers
Restless leg syndrome
Spontaneous bleeding
Blood Clots (DVT)
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If you experience any of the above symptoms, call 713-935-978.
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Causes of Varicose Veins
They are a relatively common condition, and for many people they are a family trait. Women are at least twice as likely as men to develop them. In the U.S. alone, they affect about 23% of all Americans. Many other conditions can predispose people to form varicose veins. The most common are family history, age, female gender, multiple pregnancies, obesity, lack of exercise and career choice. In this disease, the valves are malfunctioning and not working properly. This causes the blood to pool in the vein and makes it difficult for the muscles to push the blood towards the heart. Instead of flowing from one valve to the next, the blood continues to collect in the vein, increasing venous pressure and the likelihood of blockage while causing the vein to enlarge and form varicose veins.
Varicose veins can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Genetics – If you have a family history of varicose veins, you may be more likely to develop them.
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Age – As we get older, our veins can weaken and lose elasticity, making them more prone to becoming varicose.
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Gender – Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, partly due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause.
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Prolonged standing or sitting – Jobs or activities that require long periods of standing or sitting can put extra pressure on the veins in your legs, increasing the risk of developing varicose veins.
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Obesity – Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on your veins, making them more likely to become varicose.
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Pregnancy – During pregnancy, the increased pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs, as well as hormonal changes, can lead to the development of varicose veins.
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Injury or trauma – A previous injury or trauma to the legs can increase the risk of developing varicose veins.
If you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and the best course of treatment.
Treatment
Treatment options include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, radio frequency ablation, venaseal, sclerotherapy and microphlebectomy. Often a combination of these modalities are used to achieve optimal results.
Visit Us at: 1140 Business Center Dr #403, Houston, TX 77043.
If you’re wondering that which varicose veins treatment will be best for you then that can be decided after a screening of your existing condition.
If you are looking for varicose veins treatment in Houston, Texas, book your appointment now.
Leg Swelling
Leg swelling is the result of an abnormal buildup of fluid within the soft tissue. It most often occurs at the ankle and calf region. Often it is caused by an underlying venous disease. There are other contributing factors causes as well such as congestive heart failure, blood clots, kidney issues, past injuries or certain medications. If this condition is left untreated, more severe conditions such as secondary lymphedema may occur. Early treatment of venous insufficiency may prevent or improve leg swelling concerns and needs to be addressed by a vein doctor. A physician specializing in vein treatment will look for venous insufficiency prior to addressing.
Treatment for Leg Swelling
The treatment of leg swelling depends on the underlying cause of the disease. If ultrasound shows underlying venous reflux, the underlying venous disorder can be treated by a combination of modalities (Radio frequency Ablation, Venaseal, Sclerotherapy, Pneumoboots). If treated early, mild edema is potentially reversible. However for lymphedema once it has developed, this condition is rarely reversible, but its severity can be improved with treatment.
Leg Discoloration
Venous stasis dermatitis, or darkening of skin on of the lower legs, is a common sign of underlying vein disease (even if varicose veins are not present). The change in pigmentation to a dark color usually occurs around the feet or ankles. It can be a sign of a potentially more advanced disease and can lead to thinning of the skin and even eventual ulceration.
Signs of Venous Stasis Dermatitis
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skin around the ankles has a looks reddish, yellowish or a brown color.
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associated swelling around the ankle area.
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itching/pain.
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a thickening of skin around the ankles or shins.
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hair loss on the ankle or shins in the associated area.
Treatment
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The solution is to evaluate the underlying venous disease. The underlying venous disease can be treated by a combination of modalities Radio Frequency Ablation, VenaSeal, Sclerotherapy). Over time, the discoloration will gradually improve and become less noticeable.
Leg Ulcers
The presence of leg ulcers is the final and most advanced stage of venous reflux disease. Venous ulcers occur when there’s a break in the skin on your leg, usually around the ankle.
The veins in the leg are not able to send blood back to the heart. This buildup of blood increases the pressure, causing the skin to weaken and makes it more difficult for a cut or scrape to heal.
A leg ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the skin of the leg, typically below the knee. It is a chronic condition that can be slow to heal and may recur. Leg ulcers can vary in size, shape, and severity.
Causes of Leg Ulcers
Leg ulcers can have several different causes. Here are some common causes of leg ulcers:
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Venous insufficiency: This is the most common cause of leg ulcers. Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs have difficulty pumping blood back to the heart. This leads to increased pressure in the veins, causing swelling and skin changes that can eventually result in ulcers.
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Arterial insufficiency: When there is inadequate blood supply to the legs due to arterial disease or blockages, it can lead to leg ulcers. Arterial insufficiency ulcers often occur on the feet, ankles, or lower legs. They are typically painful and have a punched-out appearance.
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Diabetes: People with diabetes are at risk of developing leg ulcers due to poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and impaired wound healing. Diabetic ulcers usually occur on the feet and can be slow to heal.
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Pressure ulcers: Prolonged pressure on an area of the skin can cause damage, leading to the formation of ulcers. These ulcers are often seen in individuals who are bedridden or use a wheelchair and may develop on the legs if pressure is not relieved regularly.
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Trauma or injury: Any significant injury or trauma to the legs, such as fractures, burns, or severe contusions, can result in an ulcer forming at the site of the injury. Poor wound healing or infection can contribute to the development of a chronic ulcer.
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Infections: Certain infections can cause leg ulcers, particularly in tropical or subtropical regions. Conditions like cellulitis, erysipelas, or necrotizing fasciitis can lead to skin breakdown and ulceration.
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Vasculitis: Vasculitis refers to inflammation of the blood vessels, which can disrupt blood flow and lead to ulcers. Different types of vasculitis, such as vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, can affect the legs and cause ulcers.
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Other causes: Less common causes of leg ulcers include autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or scleroderma, certain cancers, blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, and medications that impair wound healing.
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It’s important to note that multiple factors can contribute to the development of leg ulcers, and sometimes, ulcers may have a combination of causes. If you have a leg ulcer or are concerned about one, it is recommended to book an appointment with us. We have multiple locations in Houston, Texas.
Treatment Options
A cornerstone of treatment for venous ulcer is the proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying venous disorder. The underlying venous disorder can be treated by a combination of modalities (Radio Frequency Ablation, VenaSeal, Sclerotherapy).
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a nervous system disorder that causes an overpowering urge to move your legs. It’s also known as Willis-Ekbom disease.
It is considered a sleep disorder because it usually occurs or worsens while you’re sitting or lying down. Restless legs syndrome will usually get worse if treatment is not provided. Restless leg syndrome affects up to 10% of people in the U.S. Whereas it is more common in women, and symptoms are more severe the older people are. It can affect anyone.
If you experience restless leg it may be a sign of underlying venous disease. Many people experience relief of symptoms once the underlying vein condition is treated.
Treatment
The underlying venous disorder can be treated by a combination of modalities. (Radiofrequency Ablation, VenaSeal, Sclerotherapy)