While keeping a close eye on overall health is essential to many individuals, vein health, and how it can be linked to other conditions is easily and often overlooked. Below the surface of the skin, veins and arteries play a vital role in keeping the human body on a healthy and thriving track. Together, arteries and veins are in charge of moving blood successfully between the beating heart and the rest of the body. Where arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, veins are responsible for carrying oxygen-depleted blood from the extremities back to the heart for property replenishing and recirculation.
In order to get blood back to the heart against the constant pull of gravity, veins are specially designed with a series of one-way valves to keep blood going the right direction. In the event that one or more of these valves isn’t working properly, blood quickly begins to flow the opposite direction and it doesn’t take long for pooling to begin in the extremities. As blood pools in the legs or other extremities, pressure builds which can ultimately lead to painful swelling, skin discoloration, and even pain to the touch.
Many physicians point to these underlying vein conditions when it comes to the development of varicose veins, spider veins as well as the potential risk for developing more serious deep vein thrombosis which may ultimately lead to a fatal pulmonary embolism.
Potential Causes for Vein Disease
While it may be an umbrella term, vein disease can refer to a variety of vein conditions and insufficiencies that have the potential to cause painful symptoms or more dangerous conditions for individuals down the road. Blood circulation is an essential bodily function for maintaining overall health and keeping a close eye on vein health is a primary step in staying ahead of the potential for developing more complicated scenarios down the line. Physicians today can point to a variety of reasons that individuals may begin experiencing symptoms related to vein disease. While some individuals are prone to developing venous insufficiencies due to genetic predisposition and family history, others may find that their conditions are related to lifestyle choices or other ailments that are linked.
Circulatory issues can arise when blood flow is restricted due to extended periods of time spent sitting. Whether this happens due to a sit-down job or extensive time traveling on a plane, the less muscle contraction that occurs regularly, the higher the risk for developing circulatory issues related to veins and potentially deep vein thrombosis in the future. Obesity is another potential factor in developing vein disease as added weight puts added pressure on the veins as they work hard to move blood throughout the body. Some individuals suffering from conditions such as heart failure or inflammatory bowel syndrome may also be at an increased risk for vein disease overall as blood flow is hindered or veins are irritated internally. Venous insufficiencies such as varicose veins or spider veins are often correlated with age as well as hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy or menopause.
Diagnosing Vein Disease
Because there are so many potential factors at play for developing vein disease, turning to a professional is the most vigilant step a person can take in maintaining vein health. Diagnosing an existing or potential condition often begins with ultrasound mapping for those that partner with Dr. Wright and his team at the St. Louis Laser Vein Center. This non-invasive procedure provides Dr. Wright with a clear look at an individual’s personal vein network with an opportunity to pinpoint problematic areas or those that might cause issues in the future. From here, a customized treatment plan can be put into place. Treatment options for vein disease of many types are not only safe and effective at the Laser Vein Center but customized to fit patient preference. Steering away from painful vein stripping of the past, the Laser Vein Center is proud to offer outpatient treatment services that focus on cutting edge laser technologies with quick recovery times. From radiofrequency laser vein ablation to more traditional custom compression garments, our team is able to tailor-fit solutions to align with each patient’s primary vein health needs.
Contact Us Today
When you’re considering the many benefits of treatment options for vein disease or venous insufficiencies or are perhaps looking to establish care for preventative vein health, Dr. Wright and his team are ready and waiting to partner with you. Contact our team today to learn more about our many services available and to schedule your complimentary initial consultation. This important time is set aside for Dr. Wright to get to know each patient’s individual story and to begin putting together a plan for keeping vein health based on a health profile and patient preferences. From varicose veins to spider veins and the many potential conditions in between, Dr. Wright brings vast experience into the world of vein health and a passion for creating a safe and effective place for patients to find the care they need.
