Know the Facts
Chronic venous disease (CVD) occurs when the veins in your legs are not working effectively and it becomes increasingly difficult for blood to pass through the vein walls or valves to flow back to your heart. There are six stages of the disease, from spider veins in the earliest stage to open sores in the most advanced stage.
Self-help measures such as exercise, elevating the legs or wearing compression stockings may ease the symptoms but usually do not prevent the progression of the disease.
More than 80 million Americans suffer from varicose veins or spider veins. Left untreated, these diseased or abnormal leg veins can get progressively worse and cause other complications.
Symptoms
In its mildest stage, CVD may appear as spider veins, which may look like small red or blue tree branches or spider webs close to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are enlarged, rope-like blood vessels that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. In CVDs more advanced stages, symptoms such as leg swelling with or without varicose veins may be present. You may also begin to see skin changes in your legs (usually a darkening of the skin or a rash due to pooling of blood and increased pressure in the veins). Or you may see a sore with a scab, usually on one or both of your inner ankles. In CVDs most advanced stage, an open ulcer (sore) with oozing fluid may be present. Chronic venous insufficiency or obstruction are the names for the more advanced stages of CVD.
Risk Factors
- Age (over 50)
- Family history of varicose veins
- History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged periods of standing or sitting
- Damaged or diseased valves
Evaluation
Workup includes ultrasound (imaging of the veins using sound waves) of the leg and pelvis. Additional evaluation may be required in some patients with either CT (computer tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Treatment Options
What is different about Stony Brook Vein Center's approach?
At Stony Brook Vein Center, most of the treatments mentioned above can be performed right in our office. Our highly knowledgeable, board-certified vascular practitioners offer comprehensive care tailored to meet your needs. We are also active in venous research, education and lead the field in making clinical advances available to our patients.
To be evaluated for chronic venous disease please schedule an appointment with the Stony Brook Vein Center, call (631) 444-VEIN (8346) or visit https://vein.stonybrookmedicine.edu/.
To schedule a free vein screening complete our screening form.