Do I Need a Vein Specialist?
Whether you believe you've noticed signs of varicose veins or another condition, it can be challenging to know when to see a vein specialist over your primary care physician. At Albert Vein Institute, we specialize in a wide range of venous conditions and have the proper technology to diagnose and treat you. Keep reading to learn when it's time to seek the help of a vein specialist.
Contact us today to request a consultation with our vein specialist in Lone Tree and Colorado Springs at Albert Vein Institute.
The Importance of Specialized Vein Care
While many venous conditions may present noticeable signs such as swelling, cramping, or bulging veins, others are more subtle and can be left undiagnosed and untreated. If you have any concern about your veins or circulation, you should seek a vein specialist's help to ensure nothing is out of the ordinary — especially if you have a family history of venous insufficiency.
Receiving the Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
Many vein conditions can worsen without the proper treatment, such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. Over time, swelling and bruising can worsen, as well as pain levels, and can eventually lead to a venous ulcer. These ulcers typically form as a result of untreated and progressive abnormalities in superficial veins. Varicose veins can develop a blood clot over time as well.
Conditions Diagnosed and Treated at Albert Vein Institute
Visiting a vein specialist is the best way to ensure that your condition is treated appropriately. At Albert Vein Institute, some of the most common conditions we treat include:
Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Varicose veins and spider veins both result in visible veins on the skin. Typically, a healthy venous system allows blood to flow efficiently from your leg veins back to your heart.
However, if the valves in these veins become dysfunctional, the blood won't move up — instead, it will flow back down toward your feet. This reverse flow is known as reflux, and the increase in the pressure from the reverse flow leads to increased pressure in the skin veins. This is what causes painful, swollen varicose veins or spider veins.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins Include:
- Aching and pain
- Leg cramps
- Heaviness, itchiness, and burning
- Restless legs
- Ankle swelling
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Throbbing skin
- Changes in skin color
- Skin Ulcers
Unlike Varicose Veins, Spider Veins Tend to Be Very Small and Painless. Typical Causes of Spider Veins Include:
- Weakened or damaged blood valves
- Burst blood vessels from pressure or sun damage
- Genetic factors
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
- Hormone imbalances
- Previous blood clots
Varicose veins look like thick, twisted, cord-like tubing underneath your skin and are weaker and thinner than the rest of your veins.
Commonly, Varicose Veins are Caused By:
- Genetics
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Weight
- Insufficient movement
Vein Disease
One of the first signs of vein disease is a network of spider veins and varicose veins on a patient's legs and ankles. Additionally, vein disease is hereditary, and it is recommended that patients with a family history have their veins checked regularly. Women are also more likely than men to have vein disease and patients who are overweight or have a career that involves long hours standing or performing physical labor.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a severe medical condition when a blood clot forms inside a deep vein, typically located on the lower leg or thigh. This condition can happen to any patient at any age and can lead to other severe illnesses, and only half of the patients with DVT display any symptoms. Patients who have had previous deep venous thrombosis are also at risk of developing venous ulcers or a pulmonary embolism.
Superficial Vein Thrombosis
Like DVT, superficial vein thrombophlebitis (SVT) is an inflammation of the veins caused by blood clots under the skin's surface. If treated early by a vein specialist, your risk of complications is much lower.
Venous Ulcers
Venous ulcers are caused by a lack of blood flow returning to your heart from your legs. As mentioned above, venous ulcers can form due to abnormalities in a patient's superficial veins. Eventually, the skin of the lower leg and ankle become so abnormal that standard nutrient capillary arterial flow to the surface is disrupted, causing the skin to break down — with the result being a venous ulcer.
These superficial veins can be closed off without any consequence to the leg's blood return — allowing the ulcers to heal within one month after treatment.
Treating Your Condition
While having a vein condition seems troublesome, the good news that treatments are usually completed on an outpatient basis and do not require long recovery times. With early diagnosis and treatments, your symptoms can be managed and help lower your risk of complications. A vein specialist will use treatment options that are non-invasive or minimally invasive, meaning patients do not after to endure a long surgery to recover from their condition.
At Albert Vein Institute, Dr. Albert offers a wide variety of treatments for varicose veins and spider veins and other venous conditions. These treatments are designed to remove unsightly bulging, knotted veins, and improve blood flow in the legs.
To book a consultation, contact our team today: (303) 857-5111