Do You Have Chronic Venous Disease?

Chronic venous disease of the legs is a common condition. In fact, approximately half of the U.S. population has venous disease – 50 to 55% of women and 40 to 45% of men. But just what is venous disease? When valves inside your veins which allow blood flow to the heart fail to function or the vein is damaged so the valves do not close completely, blood can begin to pool, flow backward and cause a variety of vein complications as pressure begins to form on the nerves from dilated veins. Spider veins and varicose veins are resulting symptoms of venous disease.

Risk factors include age, family history, female gender and pregnancy. In women, pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies, is one of the most common factors accelerating the worsening of varicose veins. The single most important cause of vein disease is heredity. Approximately 70% of all patients with varicose veins have parents with the same condition. Other factors influencing vein disease are age, obesity and jobs which require long periods of standing. Generally vein disease can’t be prevented. If you have a family history of vein disease, there is nothing you can do to change your genes.

Many patients with vein disease experience cramping, aching, burning, itching, soreness or “tired” or “restless” legs, especially in the calf muscles. If you experience these symptoms, please come see us at Ciao Bella Vein Clinic where we specialize in diagnosing and treating venous disease. If you do have venous disease, depending on the type and stage of vein disease, there are many different treatment options. Most insurance carriers will even consider coverage for venous disease treatments, based on medical necessity for symptom relief.

It is important to treat venous disease, as varicose veins generally worsen over time. If left untreated, pain will increase and result in limitations in walking and cramps during sleeping. Visit our website for more information about venous disease and call us at (480) 686-8121 when you’re ready to schedule your initial consultation.

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