Approximately 50-55 percent of women and 40-45 percent of men suffer from vein conditions or venous disorders, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Women’s Health. For some, venous disorders will be mostly cosmetic, characterized by the appearance of unsightly spider and varicose veins. However, others will suffer painful symptoms that will keep them from participating in some of the activities they once enjoyed.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF VEIN DISORDERS INCLUDE:
- The appearance of red or blue vein networks on the skin’s surface, known as spider veins
- Bulging, twisting veins that appear like ropes above the surface of the skin
- Aching or fatigued legs, particularly by the end of the day
- Leg cramping or restless leg syndrome, especially at night when you try to rest
- Itching or burning of the skin around the affected veins
- Skin changes like thickening or discoloration
- The formation of open sores, known as venous ulcers
Because it is difficult to know which vein condition will worsen over time, it is important to have spider and varicose veins evaluated before they become symptomatic. If an underlying condition is diagnosed, early treatment will provide better prognosis and fewer complications. The good news is minimally-invasive treatments are available today that will eliminate both the visible veins and their uncomfortable symptoms without significant discomfort or downtime.
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR A VEIN DISORDER?
While it is impossible to accurately predict exactly who will develop a vein condition, there are certain risk factors that will increase your likelihood of developing a disorder:
- Heredity – Your family history is probably the best predictor of vein disorders, which means if one or both of your parents had varicose veins, you are more likely to have them as well.
- Age – Risk for varicose veins and other vein disorders increases exponentially with age since veins can become damaged or wear out over time.
- Gender – Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, but men are not immune to the condition. Unfortunately, men are less likely to seek treatment, which increases their risk of complications over time.
- Medical History – If you have a history of blood clots or a disorder known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, you are more likely to develop varicose veins.
- Weight Gain – Additional weight puts a strain on the vessels in the lower leg as they have to work even harder to push blood back up the body to the heart. In addition, extra weight can impact the outcome of vein treatments for some patients.
- Lifestyle Factors – A sedentary lifestyle puts you at greater risk for vein conditions since the muscles aren’t working to help pump blood back to the heart. Jobs that require long periods of sitting or standing can also increase your risk for varicose veins and other disorders.
If you are suffering from a vein disorder, help is available. Contact Advanced Vein Center at 207-772-1820 to schedule an evaluation or to learn more about treatment options that are now available. We’ll answer any questions you may have on spider veins vs varicose veins, visit us today.
The overall health and well-being of our patients is top priority, and this includes our patients’ economic well-being. Check out this article, A Common-Sense Health Care Solution, to learn about your “right to shop” when it comes to healthcare.
