Many people don’t know what venous conditions are, and, even if they do know, many times, they aren’t aware of the signs and symptoms that come along with them. People need to be more knowledgeable about blood flow, muscle pumps, and how they can affect your body. Some people don’t even know that venous conditions exist, and if they do, many times, they aren’t aware of the signs and symptoms that come along with them. People need to understand blood flow, muscle pumps, and how they affect your body.

Venous conditions affect people differently and can impact anyone of any age, race, or gender. However, the most common risk factors involved: genetics or family history, living a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and taking hormones such as birth control pills or estrogen replacement. This article looks at some of the most common venous conditions that may prompt a visit to Dr. Dennis Resetarits in Camillus, an experienced vascular surgeon.

• Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged, twisted veins. They occur when the one-way valves inside your veins that help move blood toward your heart don’t work correctly. These valves typically open to allow blood into the next lower part of the vein and then close to stop blood from flowing backward. When these valves don’t work correctly, you may get varicose veins. Common causes of venous insufficiency and varicose veins include pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting (especially with legs crossed), aging, family history, smoking, or being overweight.

Varicose veins can also be caused by other factors such as heredity, the natural process of aging, prolonged standing or sitting, and pregnancy.

• Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in your veins are damaged or weakened. As a result, blood pools in your lower extremities and causes swelling. It can also lead to skin ulcers and leg pain. Venous insufficiency is most commonly caused by: varicose veins, prolonged standing, obesity, aging, injuries, surgery, smoking, and genetics. Usually, you can treat this condition by talking to your doctor about venous testing and sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive procedure to treat varicose veins. Failure to address the condition early on can result in more severe conditions such as chronic venous disease.

• Venous Ulcers

A venous ulcer is an open sore on your lower leg or ankle caused by damage to the veins, usually from severe varicose veins. This condition can also be brought on by obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and crossing your legs while sitting for long periods. If you suspect you may have a venous ulcer, it’s essential to see your doctor right away. Treating venous ulcers early can help ensure that the wound heals properly and thoroughly. Left untreated, venous ulcers can cause the skin to break down, leading to infection or permanent scarring.

In summary, many people suffer from venous conditions mainly caused by genetic factors, obesity, pregnancy, and smoking. Some of the most common vascular diseases include venous ulcers, varicose veins, and venous insufficiency. If you have any vascular condition, you need to see a vascular specialist for diagnosis and early treatment.