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Complications of Vein Disease
Instructions will be reviewed
Vein disease is far from just a cosmetic issue. Many patients who neglect their vein problems end up with irreversible unsightly and sometimes painful complication . In rare cases conditions that can threaten life or limb can arise.
The symptoms associated with varicose veins are most often manageable using properly fitted compression stockings. When symptoms are not adequately treated with stockings alone we consider this complicated vein disease and an indication for more aggressive management like sclerotherapy and surgery.
Phlebitis - A common complication seen in patients with varicose veins is phlebitis. Phlebitis is an inflammatory condition in the vein wall that leads to clotting of the vein associated with red, tender overlying skin. Most often phlebitis is of no danger and is well managed with ice packs and anti-inflammatories. The only time this can be dangerous is when phlebitis occurs in the absence of varicose veins (can mean a cancer is present in the body), or when the clot in the varicose vein spreads all the way up the leg and into the deep veins of the leg. This can lead to a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and is an emergency to diagnose and treat.
Deep venous thrombosis - is a potentially life threatening condition but is thankfully only rarely associated with varicose veins. It is diagnosed by ultrasound of the legs and pelvis. It often requires immediate medical treatment with blood thinners to prevent complications. The most dangerous result of an untreated DVT is a pulmonary embolism (blood clot breaking off and lodging in the lung).
Venous stasis - disease is the end point of long standing elevations of the pressure in your veins. It has an insidious onset and slowly progresses over years. Many medical professionals have never been trained to identify early signs of stasis disease.
Early changes begin around the ankle with tiny blue-green or purple veins forming a lattice work under the skin.
With time these vessels enlarge and the skin starts to darken and thicken from the longstanding damage caused to the tiny blood vessels. In the late stages the skin around the ankle and lower leg is woody hard and darkly stained.
In its worst form non- healing ulcers form.
Chronic Venous Stasis Disease
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| Early Venous Stasis |
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Moderate Venous Stasis |
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| Advanced Venous Stasis |
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The best way to treat venous stasis disease is to prevent its development in the first place. Properly fitted compression stockings in patients with strong family histories of varicose vein disease or mild varicose vein problems goes a long way to slow or prevent progression of stasis disease.
In patients who already have stasis changes around the lower leg, searching for a surgically treatable cause is indicated. Ultrasound examination is the only sure way to rule out surgically treatable disease. Even in experienced hands, physical exam can miss subtle and sometimes not so subtle signs of venous insufficiency. Insist on it where ever you may get your veins treated. Compression stockings are a big part of these patient's long term management but surgery is the most definitive and certain prevention. See varicose veins for more detail of treatment options.
 1-519-585-7780 info@saundersskinveincentre.com
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
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