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Chicago Vein Institute
Venous diseases
Veins and the Mechanism of Varicose Veins Formation
Veins are blood vessels that transport blood from the periphery to the heart. The venous system of the lower extremities consists of deep, superficial, and perforating veins. Blood from superficial veins flows into deep veins, which carry venous blood to the heart. One-way blood flow (from superficial to deep veins) is facilitated by valves located within the veins, preventing the backward flow of blood.
Mechanism of varicose veins formation: Due to genetic predisposition and triggering factors, there is an expansion of the vein wall at the site where the valves are located. In this case, the valves cannot fully close the lumen of the vein, leading to the backward flow of blood from deep to superficial veins. Superficial veins become engorged with blood, dilate, and become visible.
Symptoms of Diseased Veins
The most common vein diseases are vein enlargement or insufficiency and venous thrombosis, which is the formation of blood clots in the veins. In the case of vein enlargement, there is an insufficiency of the valvular apparatus, which further hinders the return of blood to the heart.
Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins are blood vessels that become noticeable under the skin. It often looks like a knotty, twisted cord and appears mostly on the legs and feet. There are numerous causes for varicose veins. Everything from heredity, obesity, and pregnancy play a part in developing this vein disorder. It is a chronic condition, so once you experience problems with varicose veins, there is always the chance of it reoccurring, even after varicose veins treatment. At Chicago Vein Institute, our doctors and staff specialize in helping patients choose the right treatment to fix their vein disorder.
Non-Invasive Treatments
We start with an ultrasound to provide a descriptive look at your veins, helping us pinpoint the source of the problem and create a treatment plan. Compression stockings, custom fit for your body, are the first line of defense for slowing the progression.
Minimally Invasive Treatment For Varicose Veins
First, we should treat the cause of the varicose veins. Most likely, your issues are related to the major venous system. This can be treated with endovenous laser ablation (ELA).
Depending on the progression of the vein disease, other treatments may need to be implemented, including sclerotherapy and/or phlebectomy. When this happens, you should feel a significant relief in symptoms, improving your quality of life.
Varicose Veins
Enlarged dark blue or purple blood vessels. They often appear as twisted cords and usually occur on the calves, inner thighs, and ankles.
Symptoms and signs of varicose veins:
- Pain
- Heat
- Cramps
- Fatigue and feeling of heaviness
- Pulsing
- Restlessness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Darker and dry skin
Reticular Veins
Varicose, dark blue, or purple blood vessels, smaller in diameter than varicose veins. Symptoms often associated with reticular veins include burning, pain, and itching.
Spider Veins
Telangiectasia, are small, thin blood vessels visible under the skin. They most commonly appear on the face, thighs, and ankles and may resemble a series of lines, tree branches, or something resembling a spider or web, with a dark center.
Although spider veins are often considered purely a cosmetic issue, they can exhibit symptoms such as burning sensation or dull, throbbing pain and may lead to the development of varicose veins and other serious complications.
If left untreated
Varicose veins are a progressive condition. Spider veins often occur together with varicose veins. You may feel pain when standing or walking, sores can develop on or near the varicose vein, and the feet and ankles may swell.
If left untreated, spider and varicose veins can lead to blood clots, phlebitis, venous varicose ulcers, skin discoloration, lipodermatosclerosis, white atrophy (atrophie blanche), deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.