Mark Williams, MD, UnityPoint® Clinic Mulberry – Surgery

Do you suffer from varicose veins or experience leg aching, restlessness, or swelling? These symptoms could indicate chronic vein disease.

Chronic vein disease, or chronic vein insufficiency, happens when your leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to the heart. This can cause blood to pool in your legs, leading to swelling, feelings of heaviness, or pain. Of the more than 30 million Americans affected with the disease, only 1.9 million seek treatment annually. A vast majority remain undiagnosed and untreated.

Join UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine on Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. as I present “Understanding Chronic Vein Disease, a free in-person event at the Muscatine Community School District Administration Building. Learn about symptoms of chronic vein disease and their impact on your long-term health if left untreated.

For example, feelings of heaviness, aching, fatigue, cramping, restless leg, itching, and burning are all signs of chronic vein disease. More visible signs may include leathery-looking skin and open sores near your ankles. Veins help circulate blood through your body. They carry blood back to your heart. When the veins become weakened or damaged, it affects blood flow.

People over 50, overweight individuals, those who sit or stand for long periods, women, pregnant women, and those with a family history of chronic vein insufficiency are also at a higher risk of developing issues. A physical examination and an ultrasound-guided vascular screening can help your provider find any concerns and work on a treatment plan.

Chronic venous insufficiency tends to worsen over time. However, it can be managed if treatment is started early. By taking the correct steps, you can help ease discomfort and prevent the condition from getting worse.

This disease can be prevented, and treatment options do exist.

Changing your lifestyle habits by walking or doing other exercise, managing your weight, and elevating your legs are often the first defense.

Additional nonsurgical options may include using compression therapy (wearing tight-fitting bandages or stockings).

Depending on the severity and other risk factors, there are medications and surgical interventions that can improve mobility and reduce pain and discomfort.

Having chronic vein disease doesn’t have to slow you down. Seeing your doctor regularly will help you identify symptoms when they occur so you can get a jump start on controlling the disease and resuming your life.

Take charge of your health and sign up for the free class here:.