Vein problems/ Venous Disease

Vein problems and venous diseases affect up to 15% of Americans. Although they don’t always present symptoms, swollen or painful veins often indicate an underlying health problem. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular surgeons and wound care specialists provide complete care for vein problems and venous diseases, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), venous insufficiency, and venous ulcers. Call the office in McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, to schedule treatment for vein problems and venous diseases, or book your visit online today.

What are venous diseases?

Venous disease is an umbrella term for several health problems affecting the veins. Veins are hollow, flexible tubes that transport blood throughout your body. Specifically, they direct oxygen-poor blood back to your heart and lungs to be reoxygenated.

Your veins facilitate blood flow with flaps called valves. These valves open when your muscles contract and close when they relax. Venous diseases and vein problems damage these valves, which lets the blood flow backward and pool.

What are some examples of vein problems and venous diseases?

Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, treats several vein problems and venous diseases, including:

Blood clots

Clots form when solids in your blood, like white blood cells and platelets, clump together. They can form in veins or arteries, cutting off blood flow and increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a blood clot deep inside an arm or leg vein. It usually doesn’t present symptoms, but if the blood clot breaks loose and travels through your bloodstream, it can cut off circulation to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

CVI occurs when the vein valves in your legs or arms stop working. This lets the blood flow backward and pool, increasing the risk of skin changes, swelling, and ulcers (slow-healing, open wounds).

Venous ulcers

Venous ulcers are slow-healing open wounds caused by poor circulation. They can form anywhere on the body but are most commonly seen on the calves, ankles, and feet. 

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are thick, ropelike veins that are red or purple. They form when your vein valves don’t work correctly, causing the vein walls to weaken and allowing blood to pool.

Spider veins

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins. However, they’re much smaller and tend to be green and blue rather than red and purple.

How are vein problems and venous diseases treated?

Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating vein problems and venous diseases. The team could suggest:

• Exercising regularly to improve circulation
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet that cuts back on salt and saturated fat
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Wearing compression stockings to increase blood flow to the legs and feet
• Prescription thrombolytics (medications that dissolve blood clots)
• Prescription anticoagulants (medicines that prevent clotting)
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

Most people benefit from a healthy lifestyle and minimally invasive care. However, if your symptoms affect your mobility or increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, you might need vein surgery to remove or close off problematic veins.

Call the nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office to schedule treatment for vein problems and venous diseases, or book your appointment online today.