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Approximately 30 million Americans suffer from vein disease, and many ignore the early warning signs of what may be the beginning stages of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) disease.
In fact, less than 1% of people seek treatment for their symptoms.
Vein disease and CVI are both progressive conditions and worsen without treatment. Familiarizing yourself with the 5 stages of vein disease can help determine whether you are experiencing any of the early or late stage symptoms of vein disease and to empower you to take the steps necessary to protect your health.
The first stage of vein disease is easy to ignore, and it typically goes unnoticed by many as there are not many symptoms of pain or discomfort.
Spider veins are usually considered to be an unsightly nuisance of tiny, flat, bluish-purple veins just under the surface of the skin. They are smaller and appear as tiny threads or wisps in a spider-web or cluster-like pattern, and may not always be easy to see.
Reticular veins also appear as flat, red or blue spider-webs near the surface of the skin, but are smaller than varicose veins. Reticular veins may feed into spider veins, providing them with excess blood.
While spider veins may be easy to ignore, they very well may be the first sign of vein disease. Seeking a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying condition is the first step in protecting your health before it develops into something more dangerous.
The second stage of vein disease is marked by the presence of varicose veins. Varicose veins are large, swollen, and bulging veins that typically appear on your legs and feet.
While some people may not experience discomfort with their varicose veins, it can be extremely uncomfortable for others.
When varicose veins are accompanied by pain, swelling, hardening of the veins, or severe inflammation around the area of the varicose veins, this may very well be the beginning of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). CVI is progressive and will only worsen over time without the appropriate treatment.
Varicose veins are often caused by weakened or damaged valves inside the vein. When these valves are not functioning correctly, they allow blood to flow backward into your veins where it pools and causes veins to stretch and dilate.
Many people may seek a medical evaluation when varicose veins are accompanied by leg pain, swelling, itching, or heaviness in the legs.
When varicose veins are left untreated, the third stage of vein disease is seen when the legs and ankles experience swelling. Inflammation in the legs is typically associated with poor circulation of blood flow. When your leg veins are not functioning correctly, your body cannot absorb the excess fluid, resulting in leg swelling.
Stage 3 is considered to be part of the later, more advanced stages of venous disease and can severely impair one’s quality of life.
Should you be experiencing the symptoms listed above, it is crucial that you consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment before the condition worsens.
People typically experience pain by this stage of vein disease and report sensations of irritation and itchiness in the legs or near the varicose veins. The pooling of blood can change the skin color in your legs, generally seen in the ankles.
Additionally, the skin becomes discolored as the fatty tissue just under the surface of the skin becomes inflamed.
In advanced cases of stage 4 vein disease, the skin may begin to crack and bleed, which may lead to the development of open sores.
At this stage of vein disease, you will need to consult a doctor for diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan.
The most advanced and dangerous phase of vein disease is when ulcers and open sores begin to form, resulting in the breakdown of skin tissue from inadequate blood flow.
Ulcers are sores that continue to open and will not heal properly. When blood cannot circulate, nutrients are not able to reach the skin to promote the healing process.
This stage of vein disease is caused by Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). People are often in an extreme amount of pain and find symptoms to be debilitating. Also, open wounds are at risk of developing bacterial infections.
Venous Stasis makes up approximately 80% to 90% of leg ulcers, most left untreated.
When vein disease is left untreated, your quality of life and health may be severely impacted.
Take the time to assess your symptoms and determine whether you are experiencing any of the warning signs of vein disease.
If you identify with risk factors associated with vein disease or have a known family history, contact iThriveVeins today to schedule a consultation.
Being proactive and taking a step towards treatment can help slow or stop the progression of vein disease before it becomes more dangerous.
Understanding the 5 stages of vein disease is crucial for early detection and effective management. By staying informed, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their vein health and seek appropriate treatment when necessary.
If you are suffering with strange and unusual symptoms such as burning, itchy, or heavy legs, we might be able to help you.
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