Houston Vein Specialists

The Consequences and Complications of Varicose Veins: Resources for Further Reading

Although pain and swelling can arise from varicose veins, the condition’s primary symptom and patient’s primary cause for concern is the appearance of twisted, bulging veins. Leaving varicose veins untreated, though, can have both cosmetic and medical consequences. While many cases of varicose veins are mostly benign, severe varieties of the condition can lead to more serious and even fatal conditions if not treated. If you have varicose veins, talk to your vein doctor today about treatment options.

• In addition to pain and swelling, varicose veins can also contribute to more severe conditions like venous ulcers and deep venous thrombosis if left untreated. The American College of Phlebology provides more information about the consequences of leaving varicose veins untreated and the additional medical conditions that could arise from it.
• Although the condition is generally straightforward in nature and treatment, varicose veins can cause complications that can endanger your health. This Mayo Clinic guide to varicose vein complications outlines cases where ulcers and blood clots can form as a result of fluid buildup within the vein.
• One of the most serious conditions that can arise from varicose veins is deep venous thrombosis, a blood clot that can cause a damaging, if not fatal, embolism. Read more about deep venous thrombosis, or DVT, and see your vein doctor immediately if you experience leg pain, swelling, or changes to the skin.

Dr. David D. Shin and Houston Vein Specialists specialize in treating the whole spectrum of venous disease, including varicose veins and spider veins, utilizing the most advanced techniques and instruments available. Visit us online for more information, or call us today at (888) 902-0493.

The Formation of Varicose Veins: An Animated Guide

A complex network that includes veins, arteries and valves, your circulatory system delivers blood, oxygen and other nutrients to every part of your body. When one part of this system misfires, though, it can result in the development of certain medical conditions or vascular disorders like varicose veins. Varicose veins, for example, are caused by weakened vein walls or valves that are unable to successfully return blood to the heart. To learn more about how varicose veins are formed, talk to your vein doctor and watch the animated guide below.

Varicose veins are commonly found on the legs and feet, where deep veins are connected to superficial veins to deliver blood from and return it to the heart. As your leg and ankle muscles contract, the blood is squeezed through the veins back up towards the heart; valves within your superficial and deep veins prevent blood from flowing backwards away from the heart. A weakened or malfunctioning valve is unable to seal off the backward flow of blood, causing the blood to pool and your vein to stretch and become varicose. In addition to the visible symptoms of varicose veins, sensations of aching, itchiness and swelling are not uncommon with the condition.

Dr. David D. Shin and Houston Vein Specialists specialize in treating the whole spectrum of venous disease, including varicose veins and spider veins, utilizing the most advanced techniques and instruments available. Visit us online for more information, or call us today at (888) 902-0493.

The Truth about Spider Veins: 4 Misconceptions to Know

If you begin to notice the web-like appearance of blue or purplish veins on your skin, you may have developed spider veins, a visible but benign vein disorder that causes blood to pool in the veins. While the condition can make patients self-conscious about their skin, it is more common than you may think and can be effectively treated at your vein clinic. Schedule an appointment with your vein doctor to learn more about spider veins and the truth about your treatment options.

1. Spider Veins and Varicose Veins are Different Disorders: While spider veins and varicose veins are often used interchangeably when talking about swollen or visible veins, the two conditions differ in symptoms and severity. Both can be caused by weakened vein valves, but spider veins are smaller and more branched than varicose veins, which can appear as raised, twisted cords. Additionally, spider veins do not cause physical symptoms characteristic of varicose veins, like swelling, pain, or discomfort.
2. Spider Veins are Not Uncommon: While you may be concerned about developing spider veins, the condition is not uncommon and a variety of risk factors can increase your risk for the disorder. These risk factors include heredity, age, excessive weight, occupations that require long periods of standing, a history of blood clots, trauma or injury to the skin, and extended exposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause may also lead to the development of spider veins.
3. Several Treatments are Available for Spider Veins: Local spider vein treatments like sclerotherapy, laser vein therapy, or radiofrequency therapy target and eliminate damaged veins for smoother skin. Individuals whose spider veins are directly related to saphenous vein reflux, which occurs within a particular vein of the leg, may require saphenous vein ablation prior to the treatment of spider veins. In many cases, treatments can be performed in your doctor’s office during a lunch break, leaving you to return to your routine immediately after treatment.
4. Spider Veins do not Harm Your Health: Unlike other vein disorders, which can have severe and even fatal consequences if left untreated, spider veins generally do not indicate a serious underlying medical condition, nor do they pose a threat to your overall health. In rare cases, severe spider veins may increase a person’s risk for ulcerations and deep vein thrombosis.

Dr. David D. Shin and Houston Vein Specialists specialize in treating the whole spectrum of venous disease, including varicose veins and spider veins, utilizing the most advanced techniques and instruments available. Visit us online for more information, or call us today at (888) 902-0493.

Predisposition and Prevention: Varicose Vein Resources for Further Reading

In addition to making you self-conscious about your skin, vein disorders like varicose veins can cause painful swelling and enlarged veins. Protect your vein health by recognizing your risk factors and taking preventative measures to lower that risk. Your vein doctor can help you identify your risk factors and recommend treatments to eliminate varicose veins or prevent them from worsening.

• The first step in treating or preventing varicose veins is to understand how they develop. Caused by a weakening of the valves, damaged veins collect blood that the valves are unable to return to the heart. Learn more about how the condition forms with this guide to the causes of varicose veins.
• Your risk factor for developing varicose veins may be elevated if family members also suffer from the condition. According to the American College of Phlebology, heredity is “the number one contributing factor causing varicose and spider veins. Read more about an inherited predisposition to varicose veins for more information on the impact of genetics on vein disorders.
• Varicose veins develop as a result of an improperly functioning circulatory system. In addition to following a regular fitness regimen, certain varicose vein exercises can help to improve circulation and mitigate painful symptoms.

Dr. David D. Shin and Houston Vein Specialists specialize in treating the whole spectrum of venous disease, including varicose veins and spider veins, utilizing the most advanced techniques and instruments available. Visit us online for more information, or call us today at (888) 902-0493.

The Dangers of Deep Vein Thrombosis

A condition that develops in approximately one million Americans each year, deep vein thrombosis is a serious blood clot condition that can contribute to sudden death if not treated. While a variety of conditions can cause similar symptoms, contact your vein doctor immediately if you experience pain and swelling of the leg. If detected early, deep thrombosis can be treated before more serious health conditions like a pulmonary embolism occur. Learn more about deep vein thrombosis, its risk factors and consequences in the Mayo Clinic video below.  

A deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot in the deep veins and results in death for roughly 1/3 of patients who develop the condition. If a clot in the deep vein becomes dislodged, it is carried in the bloodstream back to the heart, which then pumps blood to other organs, including the lungs. A blood clot that is too large to pass through the lungs could result in a pulmonary embolism, a serious condition that can cause sudden death. In addition to an inherited disposition for developing the disease, other risk factors for DVT include major surgery or trauma, cancer, pregnancy, and the use of birth control. Visit your vein doctor for more information about mitigating your risk and treating the condition; while deep vein thrombosis is serious, more severe consequences are preventable.

Dr. David D. Shin and Houston Vein Specialists specialize in treating the whole spectrum of venous disease, including varicose veins and spider veins, utilizing the most advanced techniques and instruments available. Visit us online for more information, or call us today at (888) 902-0493.