1 in 3 Americans Over 45 has Vein Disease—Do You?

By Dr. Samuel P. Martin 

Last month, we joined The American Venous Forum in promoting Venous Health Month, the official time of the year dedicated to raising awareness of venous disease and its complications. The American Venous Forum fights venous and lymphatic disease by supporting a variety of educational efforts, cutting edge research and clinical innovations.

Proper vein functioning represents an extremely important health topic because so many American adults suffer from these highly preventable diseases. Although your heredity plays a role in your chances of developing venous disease, some simple lifestyle adjustments can reduce your risks and reverse damage:

• Maintaining regular physical activity
• Weight loss
• Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting

The venous system, along with the lymphatic system, returns blood and fluids from the legs to the heart. Problems can appear subtle or dramatic and range from a dull ache to swelling and skin changes. A clot or a valve dysfunction may also occur in some patients. These problems can eventually result in ulcers (sores), particularly around the ankle area.

There are many signs and symptoms of venous disease to watch for, including both visible and invisible warning signs:

• Aching, heavy or tired legs
• Cramping or pressure
• Itching, burning sensation
• Dry, flaky skin
• Hard tissue in the lower leg
• Ulceration

With venous disease, prevention always beats reactive care. Once your vein walls have begun weakening, reversing the damage is generally not possible. Avoiding the health and lifestyle choices that lead to this vein stress is your best chance for a pain-free life without venous disease.

To learn more about preventing and treating the symptoms of venous disease, reach out to our vein specialists for a Priority Appointment. We will sit down with you to discuss the health and lifestyle issues impacting your vein health.