Your veins are an integral part of the heart’s circulatory system. They transport blood to the heart throughout different regions of your body to provide cells with nutrients.
Venous Disorders
When veins are not functioning properly due to a variety of causes, certain medical conditions can develop. Venous insufficiency(opens in a new tab) involves veins in the legs that cease to let blood flow away from the lower extremities and back to the heart. This can cause discomfort, edema, skin discolorations, and ulcers.
Varicose veins can develop when the valves in certain veins of the legs are not working to transport blood upwards towards the heart, but instead are moving the blood backwards, causing them to become swollen, twisted, painful, and tender. Varicose veins can be a symptom of a more serious venous disorder.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, though they are smaller in size and resemble a collection of tree branches. They can develop as a result of venous insufficiency.
Some Causes of Vein Disorders
Disorders of the veins can occur due to a number of reasons. Venous insufficiency can develop due to blood clots, with blood building up and pooling below the clot. Other suspected risk factors for vein disorders include:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Genetics
- Inactivity
- Smoking
- Long period spent sitting or standing
- Age
Healthy Vein Tips
You can take a few simple steps to help prevent the development of venous insufficiency disorders such as varicose veins and their possible resulting complications.
Exercise: A regular exercise routine of walking, running, biking, swimming and/or muscle-strengthening and other activities helps move blood through the legs and build muscle to enhance circulation.
Elevation: Attempt to elevate your legs a few times a day so they sit above your heart. This also promotes blood circulation and lessens possible swelling, especially for those who sit or stand for long periods of time as part of their job.
Compression: Specific elastic compression stockings work to tighten and squeeze the veins of the legs to help forestall the backward flow of blood.
Lose Weight: If you are overweight, shedding an appropriate number of pounds will help alleviate the pressure on veins.
Wound Care: If you have obvious, open sores or infections on your legs, care for them promptly before they develop into more serious conditions.
Treatment for Veins
Sometimes even taking healthy precautions against venous insufficiency disorders are not enough to stave off certain conditions. Thankfully, there are treatments available to help those who suffer with venous disorders. The physicians at The Vein Center at Johns Creek provide the most modern techniques for treating vein issues, led by William H. Johnson, M.D. and his staff in Suwanee, Georgia.
William H. Johnson, M.D. performs state-of-the-art procedures to treat varicose veins, including sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebotomy. The team at The Vein Center at Johns Creek also conveniently serves the neighboring communities of Suwanee that include Duluth, Alpharetta, Buford, Roswell, Lilburn, Norcross, Snellville, and Dunwoody.
This article does not claim to take the place of a professional medical opinion or advice. If you suspect that you have a vein disorder, please make an appointment with William H. Johnson, MD at The Vein Center at Johns Creek or with your physician.
