Varicose veins are a common problem and are sometimes not a major health concern to patients. However, there are times, according to the Mayo Clinic’s varicose veins site, that varicose veins and other vascular diseases can cause aching pain and discomfort and can even lead to more serious problems; problems such as circulatory troubles. Any visible vein symptoms may be an indicator that there is a larger contributory vein disease that you just can’t see. It’s always a good idea to see a doctor or vein specialist who can tell you if there are any underlying issues with your veins. If you do, in fact, have a larger underlying vein disease, make sure to get it treated because if you don’t, your disease may persist.

Although varicose veins are very common, they aren’t the only vascular conditions to look out for. Other vein conditions include spider veins, venous leg ulcers and chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins are characteristically found on the legs and feet, although they can pop up in other places on the body as well. The most common signs of varicose veins are the twisted and enlarged veins protruding from your body. There are a variety of varicose vein treatment options available to you and most are minimally invasive now.

Spider veins, another vein condition, get their name from their spider web-like appearance. Vein-Treatment.com says that genetic predisposition is the most common cause of spider veins, although traumatic injury and excessive sun exposure on the face can cause them as well. Spider veins seem to be easily treatable, usually with sclerotherapy, a procedure where the vein specialist injects a chemical into the veins to close them down.

Venous leg ulcers are said to be the most common ulcers affecting the lower extremities of the body. Vein-treatment.com discusses how venous leg ulcers generally do not heal without treatment and can be a chronic condition, not to mention how painful and itchy they can be. They may be caused by problematic varicose veins left untreated for some time. Doctors suggest that venous leg ulcers be treated by a vein specialist and/or a wound care specialist. Treatment for venous leg ulcers may require more work than just treating a varicose vein and can include wound dressings, compression bandages and vein treatments such as endovenous laser treatment.

Chronic venous insufficiency symptoms may include leg cramping, itching, tingling, pain, swelling of legs, redness in legs or ankles and/or ulcers on the legs and ankles according to the New York Times Health Guide. It appears that chronic venous insufficiency is somewhat common as well. In layman’s terms, chronic venous insufficiency occurs when veins have problems sending blood back and forth from the heart to the legs, ankles and feet. See a vein specialist if you think you may have chronic venous insufficiency, so that the doctor can begin treatment right away.

Vascular diseases can vary between being just a cosmetic nuisance to being a very severe condition. You don’t really know what you are dealing with unless you see a vein specialist for a diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Whether your vascular disease is bad for your health, your self-confidence, or both, treatments are available for most conditions, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you think you may have a vein condition.

Kristle Jones, Vein-treatment.com Blogging Team