Vein Conditions

How Common is Venous Disease?

Vein disorders are very common. In the US, the prevalence is generally estimated to be around 10-30% with some studies showing as many as 56% of men and 60% of women experiencing some form of venous disorder. Western societies exhibit a higher prevalence of vein conditions, presumably due to lifestyle factors, dietary habits, and a lack of physical activity.

Symptoms associated with venous disease vary from cosmetic concerns to significant disability. These symptoms can significantly impact lifestyle satisfaction, make working difficult, and can result in functional disability. Approximately 1-2% of the general adult population suffer from severe skin breakdown and ulcers, which can take months or even years to heal. Consequently, the management of venous diseases and ulcers represents one of the highest expenditures for U.S. Medicare.

What are the Symptoms of Venous Disease?

Venous problems can have a range of symptoms, from minor discomfort to severe wounds in the legs. Some individuals may solely have cosmetic concerns, while others may experience significant pain and discomfort.

Common symptoms include:

Specific Vein Conditions

Venous disease encompasses a range of conditions, from small spider veins to large varicose veins, as well as serious swelling and venous ulcers. The following explains some of the key categories:

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that commonly occur in the legs due to weakened or damaged valves. They can cause symptoms like aching, swelling, and discomfort, and may lead to more serious health issues if left untreated, such as blood clots. For further reading, please refer to our article on tips for varicose vein pain relief. Fox Valley Surgical Specialists provide comprehensive care for varicose veins, offering treatments such as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation, and sclerotherapy.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin, often resembling a spider web. They are usually red, blue, or purple and can be found on the legs and face. While often harmless, they can cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns. Fox Valley Surgical Specialists offer advanced treatments for spider veins.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, typically in the legs. This can lead to pain, swelling, and complications like pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs. Fox Valley Surgical Specialists are equipped to diagnose and manage DVT through advanced imaging techniques and treatment options.

May-Thurner Syndrome

May-Thurner Syndrome is a vascular condition where the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein, leading to reduced blood flow and an increased risk of DVT. Symptoms may include leg pain, swelling, and discomfort. Fox Valley Surgical Specialists offer expert diagnosis and treatment for May-Thurner Syndrome.

Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers are chronic wounds that occur due to improper functioning of the veins, typically in the lower legs. These ulcers can be painful, slow to heal, and prone to infection. Fox Valley Surgical Specialists provide professional, knowledgeable care for venous ulcers, focusing on addressing the underlying venous insufficiency.

Vein Treatments

Fox Valley Surgical Specialists provides various treatments for the above vein conditions. Our treatments include Radiofrequency Endovenous Ablation, Laser Endovenous Ablation, VenaSeal, Varithena, Sclerotherapy, VeinGogh, and Microphlebectomy.

Please read more below about our various vein treatments.

Your Experienced Vascular Team

Robert Ballard, MD

Alexander Tretinyak, MD

Sarah Wilson, MD

Jason Le, MD

Ariel Stilp, APNP