Could My Legs Feel Better?


By Cindy Asbjornsen, DO, FACPh


nous, disease is very common among the U.S. population. Accord- ing to the American College of Phlebology, 80 million Americans struggle with some form of vein disorder. Often, those experienc- ing symptoms of venous disease live with their symptoms because it’s gone undiagnosed, or the source of their symptoms has been left untreated. Even if you are experiencing only mild symptoms of venous disease, as the disease progresses it can lead to chronic venous insufficiency and result in serious medical complications.


H So let’s start with the facts. Answer the questions below to


see if you might have symptoms that are related to venous insuf- ficiency.


Q: Are your legs tired at end of the day? Fact: Legs that feel heavy or fatigued are common indicators


of venous insufficiency. Legs can feel tired at the end of the day, or after long periods of standing, because of an increase in pressure that results from blood pooling in the legs when it cannot be prop- erly returned to the heart.


Q: Does elevating your legs provide relief for fatigue, heaviness, or swelling?


Fact: If you experience tired or heavy-feeling legs, try elevat- ing them for three minutes. Venous symptoms usually improve when the legs are raised, and the relief is a good indication that the fatigue you are experiencing is a symptom of venous insuf- ficiency.


Q: Does your parent/sibling/family member have varicose veins? Fact: Venous disease has a strong genetic component. If some-


one in your family has experienced vein disorders or has visible veins on their leg, your risk of the disease is much higher.


ave you ever asked your doctor if that ache in your legs at the end of the day is something more? Or do you wonder if you might get varicose veins like your mom? Vein, or ve-


Q: Do you have visible blue veins or “spider veins” under the skin of your legs?


Fact: Blue or purple veins that are visible under the skin can


be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness, not to mention be painful. They are an indication of early stage venous disease. Treatment not only improves appearance, it can help stop the progression of venous disease.


Q: Do you have veins that bulge or protrude from the surface of the skin?


Fact: Veins that protrude from the skin in the legs are varicose


veins, and they are an indication of early stage venous insuf- ficiency. They may or may not be painful, and they can cause embarrassment due to their appearance. Untreated, they can lead to increased venous symptoms and worsening appearance. In most cases, if the vein is bulging, it has a connection to the deep system.


Q: Are you experiencing redness, skin thickening, or other color changes on your legs or ankles?


Fact: If you notice redness around the ankles, or find that your skin has become harder or thicker in the lower leg, you are likely experiencing a common symptom of venous disease. These chang- es can be mild, or they can cause pain and involve larger areas of the skin. Other skin changes, such as dermatitis, cellulitis, dry or scaly skin, or brown “stains” on the skin can be signs of advanced venous disease, and should be evaluated by a physician.


Q: Do you have swollen legs or are you pregnant? Fact: Pregnancy and other lifestyle concerns can cause


swelling and increase risk factors for venous disorders. Abnor- mal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs can be a result of veins in the legs that cannot properly pump blood back to the heart. This can cause swelling or edema, and is an indication of a venous disorder.


14 Essential Living Maine ~ May/June 2017


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