DVT and varicose veins

People often consider treatment for varicose veins to be solely cosmetic. Men and women alike usually find the twisted, bulging veins to be “ugly” and extremely noticeable, which prompts them to seek treatment. However, not all varicose veins should be treated equally. Many people need vein treatment to relieve their painful symptoms which can include: swollen ankles, leg pain, itching, burning, heaviness, numbness, and continuous aching. Vein disease is a progressive disorder, so symptoms can slowly become debilitating over time. Not only do many people seek treatment for uncomfortable symptoms, but also to minimize their risk of developing more serious issues in the future.

Venous insufficiency occurs when a valve fails to function, consequently allowing the blood to pool in your legs and therefore causing a variety of health problems including: swollen ankles, blood clots, leg pain, spider veins, varicose veins, and even ulcers. When your leg veins cannot bring enough blood back to the heart, the blood stays in your legs, causing various problems due to venous blood stasis. Deep veins bring the blood back to the major vein in your abdomen called the vena cava, which brings the blood straight to the heart.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition when blood clots develop in the deep veins. Blood clots occur when something prevents the blood flow from properly circulating or clotting. Injury to the vein, surgery, certain medications, and limited movement can increase the risk of a blood clot. Blood clotting is usually a healthy, life-saving body function that can assist in stopping excessive blood flow during an injury. However, when blood clots dislodge, they can cause heart attack, stroke, and other serious issues. DVT can pose many health risks such as: pulmonary embolisms (PE) and postphlebitic syndrome that can be, in some situations, life-threatening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 900,000 people living in the United States are affected by DVT/PE each year and between 60,000-100,000 die each year from DVT complications (“Venous Thromboembolism,” 2015).

In most cases, DVT is not typically associated with varicose vein issues; however, blood clots can sometimes happen if vein valves are not working properly. When people take an active role in monitoring their health by visiting a cardiologist or phlebologist, they can prevent malfunctioning veins by getting ahead of future problems. Researchers from Taiwan, Chang S, Huang Y, Lee M, et al., reported in JAMA that they have been recently studying a correlation between varicose veins and DVT. They stated that people who have been affected by varicose veins have a greater chance of developing DVT (“Association of varicose veins with incident venous thromboembolism and peripheral artery disease,” 2018). However, their findings have not yet been confirmed and will require further research.

It’s important to know that DVT does not always show physical symptoms; although, if you are experiencing pain in your lower extremities, swelling in one leg, red or discolored skin, or a feeling of warmth in the affected leg, it may be a good time to contact a vein specialist.

Varicose veins are closer to the surface of the skin, whereas DVT occurs within the deep veins in your muscles. If you struggle with vein disease, it’s important to see a specialist in order to minimize your chances of developing blood clots. Treatment for varicose veins and venous insufficiency varies depending on the severity of your condition, which can only be determined by a phlebologist or cardiologist.

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) has been the gold standard in vein care since 2005. EVLT aims to close malfunctioning veins, allowing healthy veins to take over. EVLT is offered as a non-surgical, outpatient, FDA approved procedure to treat varicose veins. When you treat diseased veins with EVLT, it can help prevent the development of more serious issues like DVT later in life. Treating varicose veins early is an important preventative measure in keeping your veins healthy and in working-order. EVLT involves a precise insertion of a laser fiber into the diseased veins under ultrasound guidance, followed by an application of laser energy to heat and close the malfunctioning veins, which is called vein closure.

Depending on the number of diseased veins, more than one procedure may be required. EVLT usually takes less than 15 minutes from the start of the procedure until it is completed. To prevent discomfort during the procedure, a local anesthesia is used. Because of its minimally-invasive nature, EVLT does not require a long hospital stay, or extended recovery period.

It is important to see a vein specialist even if you don’t think you need treatment. Vein disease can mask underlying conditions such as blood clots, leg ulcers, vein infections, or even deep vein thrombosis.

Many people do not realize how serious DVT can be, until it happens to them. We stress the importance of seeing a vein specialist who can use ultrasound technology to detect malfunctioning veins, while also inspecting your lower extremities for underlying issues.

Since venous insufficiency is a serious medical condition, treatment of varicose veins are covered by Medicare, most insurance plans, and Medicaid. To schedule an appointment, please contact USA Vein Clinics at (847) 897-5024 or visit www. usaveinclinics.com.

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