Understanding Leg Vein Problems

Various problems can develop in your leg veins, resulting in poor blood circulation if proper medical care is not sought out. Fortunately, the experts at Gilvydis Vein Clinic offer a variety of excellent treatments for helping you live your best life comfortably; regardless of any common leg vein issues.
Understanding Leg Vein Problems

Spider and Varicose Veins in Your Leg

When the blood vessels in your legs sustain damage, they create a web-like appearance referred to as spider veins. These spider veins have a red, purple, or blue appearance, making it easy for them to be mistaken as bruises.

Vein Disease Risk Factors

Varicose veins occur when blood flows in the opposite direction than it normally should, causing blood to pool and veins to swell. As the valves in these veins work against gravity to send blood back up to the heart, they may not work for a variety of reasons. Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing spider or varicose veins are:
  • Lack of any physical activity
  • Injury to the blood vessels or legs
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods
  • Going through hormonal changes, including pregnancy
  • Having a family history of spider or varicose veins
It is vital to seek endovenous laser ablation treatment or sclerotherapy promptly as both spider and varicose veins can result in immense discomfort. Spider veins can cause swelling, itching, and heaviness in the legs. The veins are more likely to affect women than men, and become readily apparent as they bulge and twist. Certain professionals are also more likely to have to deal with spider veins, including waitresses, nurses, doctors, athletes and teachers.

Iliofemoral Venous Overflow Obstruction

Iliofemoral venous overflow obstruction occurs when a vein in the leg becomes narrowed or blocked, obstructing blood from getting back to the heart (poor blood circulation). Iliofemoral venous overflow obstruction is most likely to take place in veins located in the lower abdomen, with symptoms similar to that of varicose veins. This condition may cause throbbing, swelling or pain in your legs throughout the day, with the potential to create skin discoloration.

 

Iliofemoral venous overflow obstruction may also cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot develops in any of your body’s veins, particularly one’s legs. Although the condition can be asymptomatic, it can also result in extreme leg pain and swelling. DVT can put you at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, creating chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, lightheadedness and/or coughing up blood.

 

It is essential to schedule an appointment with Gilvydis Vein Clinic the moment you start developing symptoms of iliofemoral venous overflow obstruction. Many of the risk factors for iliofemoral venous overflow obstruction are similar to that of spider veins. Individuals who are obese, have a family history of the disease or sit for long periods need to be extra cautious. In addition to prompt treatment, our experts at Gilvydis Vein Clinic may also recommend for you to exercise more and make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and losing weight.

Venous Insufficiency

Both varicose veins and spider veins occur as a result of venous insufficiency. With venous insufficiency, your veins are not equipped to carry blood back to the heart because the valves do not work as they should. This means more blood flows back down into the legs.

Seeking Treatment for Leg Veins?

Signs & Treatments for Chronic Venous Insufficiency in Illinois
If you’re suffering from leg vein problems, reach out to the vascular experts at Gilvydis Vein Clinic for treatment. We’ll assess your legs and symptoms during a vein screening, then move forward with customizing a treatment plan based on your needs. Image Credit: Getty/Pridannikov

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Gilvydis

Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, M.D, is the co-founder of Northern Illinois Vein Clinic (NIVC) in Rockford, Illinois, and the founder of Gilvydis Vein Clinic (GVC) in Naperville, Sycamore, and Geneva, Illinois. A board-certified interventionalist and diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. Gilvydis has been treating varicose veins with minimally invasive techniques since they were first introduced.

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Get back to yourself.

We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois  with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.

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