Vein disease, also called varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, is an ailment that usually affects the veins in the lower legs and feet. It is typified by swollen or enlarged blood vessels that are gnarled or twisted in appearance and blue or purplish in color.
However, vein disease often exists for years without noticeable symptoms and is not detectable until the veins are damaged, which can cause pain, discomfort, and other issues. Vein disease can also lead to the characteristic bulging, cord-like appearance of veins and spider veins.
Vein disease occurs when the valves within the veins themselves stop working correctly. In a healthy vein, the valves are what help the veins transfer blood back to the heart after it has circulated down to the feet. These one-way valves open as blood is pumped upward and close to keep it from flowing backward and pooling in the legs and feet.
In a person with vein disease, the valves don’t close properly, making it harder for blood from the legs and feet to travel back to the heart and lungs. As a result, blood leaks backward and pools in the veins.
Vein disease can be caused by a blood clot in the deep veins in the legs, called deep vein thrombosis, which may damage the valves. It can also happen for unknown reasons.
Vein disease happens more often in people over age 50, and more often in women than in men. Vein disease is often hereditary, as are varicose veins.
The symptoms of vein disease can include the following:
Delaying treatment for vein disease can result in complications that are difficult to treat, such as ulcers, which are open wounds that don’t heal easily and can become infected, which can spread to the surrounding tissue. This is called cellulitis.
People who want to avoid vein disease can make choices and healthy lifestyle changes that can help reduce their risk. Some of these are quite simple, such as eating healthy meals and snacks. Others may be a little more difficult, such as losing a significant amount of weight to get to a healthy level or quitting a tough smoking habit.
The easiest habit to develop for prevention is to avoid sitting or standing for too long. Instead, it is recommended that people get up and move around regularly, especially during long flights, while working at a desk, or during other seated activities.
Vein disease in North Miami Beach is not dangerous, but it can negatively affect a person’s life if they don’t take care of themselves and manage their health. Those with the disease should pay attention to their food, exercise, and daily habits to make living with it easier.
