Venous Disease

About one-third of Americans over the age of 45 have a form of venous disease, whether it’s a common condition like varicose veins or complications from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Arjun Makam, DO, and his team in Anaheim, California, provide comprehensive venous disease consultations to diagnose, treat, and prevent serious complications. If you have leg pain or swelling, the team at Makam Medical can help. Call the office or schedule your venous disease consultation online today.

What is venous disease?

Venous disease encompasses the full scope of problems that develop in your veins. Your veins depend on one-way valves that open to let blood move toward the heart and then close to stop it from flowing backward. 

Since the veins in your legs must carry blood up your heart against gravity, they face a more significant challenge than other veins. As a result, the most common venous conditions occur in your legs. 

What are some types of venous disease?

Types of venous disease include:

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

CVI develops when the one-way valves weaken or malfunction. Valve problems let blood flow down the leg and accumulate in that part of the vein. 

This condition restricts the flow of blood back to your heart. It also increases the pressure in your lower leg veins. As a result, you develop problems such as:

• Varicose veins
• Leg swelling (edema)
• Leg pain
• Skin discoloration
• Skin rash
• Venous leg ulcers

Leg ulcers require intensive medical care because they don’t heal on their own. 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

When you develop a blood clot in a deep leg vein, you have DVT. Some people don’t develop symptoms, but DVT typically causes leg pain and swelling. This type of swelling, called edema, develops as excess fluids build up.

DVT needs immediate treatment to prevent the blood clot from breaking free and traveling through your bloodstream to your lungs. If a large clot gets stuck in your lungs, you have a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that needs emergency medical care. 

Varicose veins

Varicose veins occur when the walls and valves of your veins become damaged and weak. They vary in color and bulge above the surface of your skin, often appearing as swollen, lumpy, or twisted.

Standing or sitting for long periods of time can cause increased pressure within the veins. The weakened valves can cause blood to pool in the veins and the increase in pressure can stretch vein walls until they become engorged.  

Anyone can get varicose veins at any age, but it you have a higher risk of developing the condition as you age.

What happens during a venous disease consultation?

Dr. Makam and his team at Makam Medical take a personalized approach to care. The specifics of your venous disease consultation depend on your health history and concerns. 

The team asks detailed questions about your personal medical history, usual diet, exercise habits, and daily routine. They also review your family history and perform a physical exam.

However, the team may request additional diagnostic testing to better assess your condition such as ultrasound imaging. 

To schedule your venous disease consultation, call Makam Medical or book an appointment online today.