Your veins are the blood vessels by which blood returns to the heart and lungs for a resupply of oxygen. Like every other system in your body, veins are subject to changes over time and disease.
Most venous health issues have visible signs, though some deep vein conditions don’t. At MD Vein & Skin Specialists in Columbia, Maryland, phlebologist Dr. Clement Banda and his team regularly diagnose and treat patients with vein conditions.
This month, we examine five signs it’s time for you to see a vein specialist. The sooner you begin treatment, the less likely it is that you’ll suffer serious complications and the better your long-term prognosis will be.
Your circulatory system is a closed loop. Arteries are the outbound blood vessels, carrying fresh blood from the heart to the various parts of your body. Veins are inbound to the heart, returning blood for reoxygenation.
The heart doesn’t create enough force to drive a complete cycle bringing the blood back. The veins use several strategies to keep blood moving.
Valves inside veins work to allow blood to flow mostly in one direction, toward the heart, closing to prevent blood from flowing backward. When muscles contract and contract they also create a pumping action in the veins by squeezing them to maintain blood flow.
Valves can fail, and people may not move enough to assist blood flow. This can lead to pooling of blood in the veins , creating a variety of complications and conditions.
Your feet and legs suffer first because veins have the added problem of pumping against gravity during your waking hours. This can be complicated by long hours spent sitting or standing, or simply living a sedentary life.
So, when is it time to see Dr. Banda about your veins? Consider these symptoms, and if you’re experiencing one or more of them, it’s time to make an appointment.
Cramps, dull aching pain, throbbing, or a feeling of tired heaviness in your legs can all be signs that your veins aren’t working efficiently. Symptoms may worsen when you’re sitting or standing for long periods.
Medically called edema, swollen ankles and lower legs result when blood doesn’t climb back to the heart the way it should. Chronic edema is a sign to check in with Dr. Banda.
Bulging and twisted, varicose veins can look angry and serious. They aren’t always as bad as they appear, but they can be a source of aching, throbbing, and other symptoms caused by venous insufficiency.
Skin, starting in the ankles and tracking up, can exhibit signs of venous insufficiency . You might notice that surface skin feels leathery, or you may have localized irritation, redness, darkening, eczema like appearance and itchiness.
Wounds should show substantial signs of healing in 10 to 14 days. If you don’t see progress toward healing of lower leg and particularly ankle wounds in this time, it may be a sign that leg veins are not working efficiently.
Contact MD Vein & Skin Specialists if you experience any of these five conditions or if you have concerns about your leg health. Call or click to book your visit today.
