Venous disease is a condition that encompasses a variety of different maladies that can affect an individual and is caused by abnormal or diseased veins. These can include such things as varicose veins, phlebitis and peripheral artery disease.
Determining whether or not you have venous disease can be assessed through the symptoms you are experiencing. Generally, seven exist and they are:
IRRITATED LEG RASH OR ITCHING
These symptoms of venous disease will usually develop after standing and may also result in a tingling of the legs. If this is not treated, the potential to develop a bacterial skin infection like cellulitis exists.
LEG NUMBNESS
Varicose veins can result in this feeling that either focuses on the inside of the ankle or in a person’s toe. An enlarged vein is the cause of this because it’s pressing on a nerve.
HEAVY LEGS
another potentially dangerous symptom that could indicate that blood flow from the leg to the heart is being affected is leg swelling. This could develop after long periods of either standing or sitting.
ACHING PAIN IN LEGS
Leg cramps caused by varicose veins are the basis for this symptom, which manifests itself due to poor circulation. Much like heavy legs, the cause is usually related to long periods of sitting or standing.
FATIGUED LEGS
A symptom that is usually accompanied with heavy legs, with the subsequent pooling of blood in the veins resulting in the feeling of having three-pound weights attached to your feet.
LEG SWELLING
This symptom, also known as edema, can develop into a serious condition if not treated. That’s because it serves as an indication that blood is not returning to the heart, and is likely due to a faulty valve in the vein. This can usually result from long drives or plane flights in which you are seated for hours at a time.
SKIN DARKENING
The blood that is supposed to be going to your heart instead pools around your ankles, which will result in seeing a brown or reddish color in that area. Another symptom that should be treated as quickly as possible, since ignoring it will result in lipodermatosclerosis, a condition that is usually diagnosed in middle-aged women.
Given the severity of some of the above symptoms, choosing to do nothing could result in some dire consequences for you or your loved ones. That’s why your best bet is to contact The Center for Venous Disease, which has six locations in three states: Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Our doctors have extensive experience in venous disease specialty, and possess the training to alleviate your pain.