Could My Legs Feel Better?
Have you ever asked your doctor if that ache in your legs at the end of the day is something more? Or do you wonder if you might get varicose veins like your mom? Vein, or venous, disease is very common among the U.S. population. According to the American College of Phlebology, 80 million Americans struggle with some form of vein disorder. Often, those experiencing symptoms of venous disease live with their symptoms because it’s gone undiagnosed, or the source of their symptoms has been left untreated. Even if you are experiencing only mild symptoms of venous disease, as the disease progresses it can lead to chronic venous insufficiency and result in serious medical complications.
So let’s start with the facts. Answer the questions below to see if you might have symptoms that are related to venous insufficiency.
Q: Are your legs tired at end of the day?
Fact: Legs that feel heavy or fatigued are common indicators of venous insufficiency. Legs can feel tired at the end of the day, or after long periods of standing, because of an increase in pressure that results from blood pooling in the legs when it cannot be properly returned to the heart.
Q: Does elevating your legs provide relief for fatigue, heaviness, or swelling?
Fact: If you experience tired or heavy-feeling legs, try elevating them for three minutes. Venous symptoms usually improve when the legs are raised, and the relief is a good indication that the fatigue you are experiencing is a symptom of venous insufficiency.
Q: Does your parent/sibling/family member have varicose veins?
Fact: Venous disease has a strong genetic component. If someone in your family has experienced vein disorders or has visible veins on their leg, your risk of the disease is much higher.
Q: Do you have visible blue veins or “spider veins” under the skin of your legs?
Fact: Blue or purple veins that are visible under the skin can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness, not to mention be painful. They are an indication of early stage venous disease. Treatment not only improves appearance, it can help stop the progression of venous disease.
Q: Do you have veins that bulge or protrude from the surface of the skin?
Fact: Veins that protrude from the skin in the legs are varicose veins, and they are an indication of early stage venous insufficiency. They may or may not be painful, and they can cause embarrassment due to their appearance. Untreated, they can lead to increased venous symptoms and worsening appearance. In most cases, if the vein is bulging, it has a connection to the deep system.
Q: Are you experiencing redness, skin thickening, or other color changes on your legs or ankles?
Fact: If you notice redness around the ankles, or find that your skin has become harder or thicker in the lower leg, you are likely experiencing a common symptom of venous disease. These changes can be mild, or they can cause pain and involve larger areas of the skin. Other skin changes, such as dermatitis, cellulitis, dry or scaly skin, or brown “stains” on the skin can be signs of advanced venous disease, and should be evaluated by a physician.
Q: Do you have swollen legs or are you pregnant?
Fact: Pregnancy and other lifestyle concerns can cause swelling and increase risk factors for venous disorders. Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs can be a result of veins in the legs that cannot properly pump blood back to the heart. This can cause swelling or edema, and is an indication of a venous disorder.
Q: Do you feel the need to move your legs, have unpleasant sensations in your legs, or have you been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome?
Fact: Those experiencing unpleasant or urgent sensations in the leg, or those who have been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome, may be experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency. When restless leg occurs in conjunction with vein disorders, vein treatment can cause relief of symptoms and eliminate the need for medications.
Q: Do you have leg cramps, or do you lose sleep from leg cramps that occur at night?
Fact: Leg cramps can often go undiagnosed as venous insufficiency. Cramping can occur as a result of standing or being still for long periods of time, or it can occur while lying in bed at night as a result of blood that has built up in the leg over the course of a day. The pain can be mild in some cases, and in others it can cause severe pain and loss of sleep.
Q: Do you have an open wound on your lower leg or ankle or a wound that will not heal?
Fact: Ulcers that occur on the leg or ankle, or any wound in the lower leg that fails to heal can be the result of ongoing venous disease. There are three large classes of ulcers: diabetic, arterial, and venous. Of the three types, venous is the most common. Venous ulcers usually occur on the lower leg below the knee. They can be caused by venous insufficiency or by a wound that has been exacerbated by venous insufficiency. If you have skin breakdown or infection due to ulceration, you should visit your doctor immediately.
If you suspect you might have vein issues, consider contacting a board certified vein specialist for an evaluation. If you are not experiencing symptoms, a screening can evaluate the condition of your venous system, help you avoid clots, and help you begin lifestyle changes that can prevent symptoms from occurring. Treating the veins at the source can make your legs feel better and restore your quality of life.
Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine. Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, she cares for all levels of venous disease, including spider veins, varicose veins and venous ulcers. She is the only vein specialist in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phlebology. You can contact Dr. Asbjornsen at 207-221-7799 or: [email protected].
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