Blood vessels are tiny, but they cover a large area within the human body. In fact, if we were to stretch all the blood vessels of an average child in a single line, the line would extend over 60,000 miles! The blood vessels of an adult would stretch almost 100,000 miles long!
Arteries, veins, and capillaries are the three types of blood vessels. Each has a role in the circulation of blood in the body.
- An artery carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Arteries are thicker than veins and have stronger, more elastic outer walls, and thick layers of muscle and elastic fibers. Veins have thin layers of muscle and elastic fibers.
- A vein returns blood to the heart.
- Capillaries connect arteries to veins.
Veins contain valves that ensure blood flows in only one direction, allowing blood to flow against the force of gravity back to the heart. Arteries, however, don’t require valves because pressure from the heart is so strong, blood flows in only one direction.
Causes of Venous Disease
Damage to the vein wall can hinder the proper flow of blood, which can result in blood collecting in the veins and even flowing backwards (retrograde). All of this can create a buildup of pressure in the veins that can cause edema (swelling), in addition to stretching and twisting of the veins. If this condition is allowed to continue, the sluggish blood flow can lead to various disorders known collectively as venous disease.
In the United States, venous disease is quite common. Approximately 15 percent of the population suffers from varicose veins, which generally do not pose a significant health risk. However, venous disease can lead to thrombophlebitis which can be much more serious, even life-threatening.
Some of the causes of venous disease and sluggish blood flow include:
- Immobility. The blood flow becomes stagnate in bedridden patients (for example in heart and orthopedic surgery patients). It can also happen in a healthy person who sits or lies still for an extended period, such as on a long trip.
- Blood vessel injury. An injury can be the result of trauma, intravenous catheters or needles, chemotherapeutic agents, or infectious organisms.
- Excessive blood clotting (hypercoagulation). Many factors can cause excessive clotting including disease, genetic or hereditary factors, autoimmune diseases, smoking, and obesity.
- Pregnancy. Varicose veins are common and usually harmless during pregnancy although they may be uncomfortable.
Symptoms of Venous Disease
Many people with superficial venous disease experience leg pain and achiness. The symptoms can include a feeling of tiredness or heaviness in the legs. Heaviness and fatigue of the legs, called stasis dermatitis, is perhaps the most frequent symptom of venous reflux disease due to varicose veins. The symptoms tend to occur later in the day, or after prolonged standing or sitting, and typically improve by elevating the legs.
For many people suffering from venous disease, day-to-day activities can be painful. Problems with veins can cause restless legs, numbness in the legs, varicose veins, leg cramps and swelling, a discoloration and burning sensation in the leg, and itching.
Venous disease can lead to poor nutrition of the skin. It can also seriously impair the healing process if there is an injury to the leg.
Venous Disease Risk Factors
Several risk factors can lead to venous disease, these include:
- Heredity is the number one risk factor for venous disease. If your parents had varicose veins, there is an 89 percent chance you will develop them.
- Women, especially those who have had multiple pregnancies, are three times more likely than men to develop venous disorders.
- Professions that require long periods of sitting or standing increase the risk of venous disease.
- Age. While older people are at a higher risk for venous disease, it can start as early as childhood.
Venous Disease Advanced Care Specialists
There have been dramatic developments in the treatment of venous disease since the 1990’s. Previously, patients with venous disease had to undergo surgery for the removal of damaged veins. The procedure, called vein stripping, was painful and had a long recovery time. Now, the Lakeland, Florida pain doctor at the Novus Spine & Pain Center has technologies and techniques that involve less pain, good cosmetic results, and an easy recovery.
The Novus Spine & Pain Center vein clinic offers extensive diagnosis, treatment, and care of vascular and vein diseases, in addition to related conditions. The vein clinic provides the latest minimally invasive and surgical procedures for varicose veins, spider veins, and venous insufficiency.
Novus Spine & Pain Center
Choosing the vein clinic at Novus Spine & Pain Center to care for your vein condition gives you access to the latest treatment options.
Novus Spine & Pain Center utilizes a comprehensive approach and cutting-edge therapies to restore normal function and allow patients to regain an active lifestyle while minimizing the need for opiates. As our patient, you are our top priority. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.
Our Mission Statement: To provide the best quality of life to people suffering from pain, by providing state of the art treatments, knowledge and skill, compassion, and respect for all.
For your convenience, you may schedule an appointment online, request a call back, or call our office at 863-583-4445.
Vein Clinic Resources
Visual Guide to Vein and Artery Problems (WebMD)
Blood Vessels (Franklin Institute)
Arteries and Veins (Bitesize)
The Circulatory System (e-Missions: cybersurgeons)
Johns Hopkins Vein Center (Johns Hopkins)
Venous Disease (Johns Hopkins)
Updated: March 21, 2022