Why Schedule a Vein Screening?

If you are wondering if you have vascular issues that need attention, your best bet would be to schedule a vein screening with our trusted professionals. It may be that you are seeing visible veins through the skin, or your legs may be feeling heavy and tired. You might be concerned with your overall health or may simply want to improve your appearance. A vein screening will give you the information you need to proceed from there.

Varicose veins and spider veins are the two most common vascular issues with which people struggle. They are similar in that both conditions are caused by venous insufficiency, a condition in which the blood is not flowing properly through the vessels. The primary difference is in the size of the affected vessels. Spider veins develop in the capillaries, while varicose veins happen in the larger veins. However, this is enough to make a difference in the way the two conditions can impact your life.

Varicose veins develop in the legs. It is rare for them to be found anywhere else. They can form when the blood inside the vessels begins to back up. This will cause pooling of the blood in the area, which will put pressure against the walls and make them expand. The blood will back up when the valves that are there to keep the blood flowing in only one direction begin to fail. As a result, the force of gravity will work against the natural directional flow of the blood. Between beats of the heart, gravity will cause the blood to go backwards through the veins. Varicose veins develop as a result.

Varicose veins can put you at risk for developing other health problems. Blood clots are more likely to form. Some of them can be located in vessels that are located well below the surface in the form of deep vein thrombosis. These clots are more of a concern than those that form closer to the surface of the skin. They are more likely to travel to the lungs, where they can become a serious threat to your health.

Varicose veins often produce uncomfortable symptoms as well. They can cause the legs and ankles to swell. Many people with the condition experience numbness, tingling and burning where the problem veins are located. Aching and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are also common.

In addition to the health impact of varicose veins, they will create a cosmetic issue as well. They are usually visible through the skin and can appear as large blue streaks that often bulge out. The cosmetic impact is why many people seek treatment.

Spider veins seldom create symptoms or cause other health risks. Their impact is mostly only one of a cosmetic nature. They can appear on the legs, face and chest and look like fine lines that weave together much like the strands of a spider web. They are usually red, purple or blue in color. People sometimes see them as a sign of aging because they are more likely to develop with age.

If your vein screening indicates that you have vascular issues, we can help you select the treatment that is best for you. There are a number of therapies available, and many of them can be done in an office setting as outpatient procedures.