7, 10, 2014

Inherited Risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

2014-10-07T16:16:43-07:00

The Factor V Leiden mutation is one of the most common inherited genetic mutations, causing blood clotting disorders. It is found in 4% to 6% of the U.S. population.

If someone has one copy of this genetic mutation (heterozygous), they are considered a carrier of the mutation.  A carrier has an approximate 3 to 6 fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism.  If a person carries two copies of the genetic mutation (homozygous) their risk of a blood clot is much higher, and many of these patients will be on lifelong blood thinners. This risk is increased when exposed to other risk factors such as pregnancy, oral contraceptives, immobility, and surgery.  If you are Factor V Leiden, the doctor may recommend a blood thinner during varicose vein treatment. It is important to talk with your doctor about your history or family history of blood clotting disorders, to better reduce your risk of a blood clot when undergoing any type of procedure or surgery.

 

Inherited Risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)2014-10-07T16:16:43-07:00

30, 9, 2014

Blood Clotting Mutation Affects 1-2% of the Population

2014-09-30T21:16:45-07:00

A point mutation (G20210A) in the Factor II (prothrombin) gene is the second most common cause of inherited blood clots and accounts for 20% of the inherited blood clotting disorders. The incidence of this mutation in the Caucasian population is 1-2% and in African Americans it is 0.1%. Carriers of this mutation have an increased risk (3x) of developing a blood clot in the deep veins (deep venous thrombosis or DVT).  A test for this mutation is usually only recommended if there is a family history of blood clots (DVT) or in cases where the cause of the blood clot is not clear or in pregnant women with recurrent miscarriages.  A more common cause of a blood clotting disorder that is inherited from the parents is the Factor V Leiden mutation.

Blood Clotting Mutation Affects 1-2% of the Population2014-09-30T21:16:45-07:00

Preventing Vein Disease

2021-11-04T15:06:07-07:00

It is impossible to prevent an inherited tendency toward having varicose veins, but it is certainly possible to take measures that will help. Remember that varicose veins are veins that have been stretched so often that they have become chronically dilated. The trick is to limit the opportunity to distend the veins.

1. Wear compression stockings

2. stay fit and maintain a healthy weight

3. exercise: exercising helps your veins pump blood.

4. avoid prolonged sitting or standing

5. avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight

runners leg

Exercising the muscles in your legs helps your veins pump blood. This, in turn, will reduce the pressure within the veins and can help reduce symptoms related to vein problems.

6. elevate your legs as much as possible

Preventing Vein Disease2021-11-04T15:06:07-07:00

Correlation Between Restless Leg Syndrome and Varicose Veins

2021-11-04T15:13:13-07:00

Slide1Varicose veins and venous insufficiency are neglected causes for restless leg syndrome.  Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by throbbing, pulling, creeping, or other unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable, and sometimes overwhelming, urge to move them. Symptoms occur primarily at night when a person is relaxing or at rest and can increase in severity during the night. Moving the legs relieves the discomfort. Often called paresthesias (abnormal sensations) or dysesthesias (unpleasant abnormal sensations), the sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.

RLS is often felt to be a neurological problem that is treated with medication, but there are other causes such as thyroid disease, anemia, pregnancy, and varicose veins. RLS is actually common amongst patients with varicose veins. La Jolla Vein Care’s Dr. Bunke completed a clinical study at UCSD along with Dr. Maria Alfaro, MD evaluating the correlation between restless leg syndrome and varicose veins.  Eight patients who had restless legs syndrome, and underlying venous insufficiency were study. These patients underwent treatment of their varicose veins either with foam sclerotherapy or endovenous ablation. All patients had either resolution or improvement of their restless legs symptoms, eliminating the need for neurological medications.  The impact of this study is that all patients with RLS should be screened for venous disease clinically by their doctors. If they have signs of venous disease such as varicose veins, Dr. Bunke recommend an ultrasound evaluation.  ‘If RLS symptoms are related to varicose veins, it is correctable by treating the varicose veins, eliminating the need for pharmacologic therapy in many patients and a better nights sleep,’ says Dr. Bunke.

Correlation Between Restless Leg Syndrome and Varicose Veins2021-11-04T15:13:13-07:00

Before and After Photo: Varicose Veins

2021-11-04T17:21:11-07:00
LJVC

Varicose veins, of any size can be successfully removed without surgery. There are a number of non-invasive treatment options to remove them without surgery. See more before and after pictures of La Jolla Vein Care treatments, on the ‘results’ page.

Varicose veins, which are the bulging, twisted veins just beneath the surface of the skin, can cause symptoms such as leg heaviness, aching, tiredness, swelling, fatigue, throbbing, burning, restless legs and night cramps.  Fortunately, there are a number of non-invasive treatment options to remove them without surgery. The doctors at La Jolla Vein Care have specialized in non-surgical vein removal for several years and thousands of non-surgical vein procedures have been successfully performed at La Jolla Vein Care.  See more before and after pictures, on the ‘results’ page.

Before and After Photo: Varicose Veins2021-11-04T17:21:11-07:00

Complications of Varicose Veins #6: Darkening of the Skin

2021-11-03T16:46:33-07:00

Complications of Varicose Veins #6: Darkening of the Skin Around the Ankles

Untreated varicose veins and underlying venous insufficiency can cause changes in the skin, including darkening of the skin. We call this skin hyperpigmentation.  This usually occurs in the inner ankle and can worsen to involve the lower portion of the leg as shown in the picture.  Over time, the skin becomes firm, dry, eczema-like, and can even break open, causing a venous leg ulcer. When the skin becomes darker as a result of a vein problem, this is referred to as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This can be prevented by addressing the underlying venous insufficiency and varicose veins early on.

Complications of Varicose Veins #6: Darkening of the Skin2021-11-03T16:46:33-07:00

30, 8, 2014

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins #5: Swelling

2021-11-04T16:13:24-07:00
Swollen Ankles

Leg swelling is a common symptoms of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. The legs often feel heavy. It is common to notice sock lines around the ankles by the end of the day.

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency #5: Swelling of the Ankles/legs

Leg swelling (swelling is also known as edema), is a common complaint related to varicose veins and underlying venous insufficiency. Leg swelling can be present simply from underlying venous insufficiency without visible signs of varicose veins or spider veins. As a result, a venous insufficiency study by duplex ultrasound scanning is part of the recommend work-up for leg swelling.  The swelling usually affects the ankles.  Most people with vein-related swelling experience progressive swelling throughout the day, that is worse at night time and improved in the morning (they usually wake up with normal appearing legs in the morning but by night-time, shoes may feel tight.) Vein-related swelling is worse at the end of the day, with prolonged standing, sitting or with air travel, heat and menstruation.  The degree of swelling varies from one person to another.

Compression stockings and legs elevation will help reduce swelling.   If the swelling can be attributed to the varicose veins or venous insufficiency, correction of the underlying vein problem will reduce swelling.

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins #5: Swelling2021-11-04T16:13:24-07:00

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins #4: Leg Ulceration

2021-11-04T16:09:57-07:00
leg_ulcer_rendering

Venous leg ulcers make up 70% of all chronic leg wounds. They usually occur in the inner ankle or outer ankle locations.

ulcer-1_fotor

Before and after treatment of a venous leg ulcer.
Copyright @ La Jolla Vein Care.

A leg ulceration is the most severe form of chronic venous insufficiency.  This is referred to as a ‘venous leg ulcer.’  Venous leg ulcers make up 70% of all chronic leg wounds.  Therefore, a venous leg ulcer is much more common than a diabetic or arterial ulcer.  It is caused by long-standing pressure within the leg veins, resulting from 1) venous reflux through faulty valves, 2) a blockage within the deep veins or 3) from the inability to use the calf muscles or a combination.  Venous reflux is the most common cause of a venous leg ulcer.  The increased pressure within the leg veins (we call this venous hypertension) causes an inflammatory response. Inflammation then causes changes in the skin, usually around the ankles (this is where pressure is the greatest).  The inflammatory process will cause the skin around the ankles to become brown or discolored, and eventually, the skin will break open.  The leg wound can be healed by treating the underlying vein condition.  Venous leg ulcers can also be prevented by early intervention with non-invasive procedures.  If you have signs of chronic venous insufficiency (such as skin discoloration around the ankles) you should address your underlying vein condition to prevent the skin from breaking open.

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins #4: Leg Ulceration2021-11-04T16:09:57-07:00

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins #3: Spontaneous Bleeding

2025-09-04T12:46:49-07:00

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins #3: Bleeding or Hemorrhage Caused by Vein Rupture

Untreated varicose veins are at a higher than usual risk of bleeding or spontaneous rupture.   Over time, varicose veins become larger, and the vein wall becomes weak and stretched out. These veins, which are already weak are also under high pressure (because of venous reflux, or the 'backflow' and pooling of blood in these veins). As a result, the high pressure can cause the veins to spontaneously burst and bleed heavily. Because they are under high pressure, they bleed like an arterial bleed and patients describe the bleeding as 'blood shooting across the room.'  The varicose veins that are susceptible are veins closest to the surface of the skin

Most patients describe that it occurs during or after a warm shower (warm water causes veins to relax and dilate, allowing more blood to pool within the veins) or during sleep. It is painless and patients report that they notice it because they feel something wet in bed.  Patients who are on blood thinners can lose large amounts of blood, especially if it occurs while they are sleeping. Some people have required blood transfusions. The small blue spider veins around the ankle are equally at risk of rupture as are the larger bulging veins.

vv hemorrahge

This is a patient who experienced spontaneous hemorrhage of their varicose veins. Notice the appearance of the blue, bulging veins that we describe as, 'blue blebs.' These veins are dilated, weak, and are close to the surface of the skin. The pooling blood within these veins causes high pressure, ultimately resulting in a spontaneous rupture or hemorrhage. The bleeding is rapid since varicose veins are under high pressure.  This is a common condition that we see at La Jolla Vein Care.

If someone you know has experienced bleeding from their varicose veins, they should be seen by a doctor. Treatment will prevent the veins from bursting again.  This is a common condition that we see at La Jolla Vein Care.

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins #3: Spontaneous Bleeding2025-09-04T12:46:49-07:00

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins #2: Cellulitis

2025-09-04T12:29:09-07:00

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency #2: Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin. Cellulitis infections can occur in the legs of people with untreated varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.  The reason for this is chronic venous insufficiency causes inflammation within the skin and underlying tissues. This inflammatory process causes the skin to become firm, eczema-like, dry, itchy, and fragile. Healthy skin acts as a barrier to bacteria, preventing infections. But, in chronic venous insufficiency, the skin is fragile and this barrier is susceptible to bacterial infections, that can enter the tissues through cracks or breakages within the skin.  In chronic venous insufficiency, the skin around the ankles is most affected and infections can begin here.

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency Cellulitis

Cellulitis usually begins as a small area of pain and redness on the skin. This area spreads to surrounding tissues, resulting in the typical signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.  Fever and chills may develop and the redness will spread affecting more of the leg. It is treated with antibiotics. If you believe you have signs of cellulitis, you need to contact your doctor right away as untreated cellulitis can spread rapidly.

Varicose Veins Improve Skin Condition

This complication can be avoided by treating the varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, which will, in turn, reduce inflammation and improve the skin condition.  Practicing good skin hygiene is important. Keep your skin moisturized so that it doesn't flake or crack easily. If the skin is not broken or leaking fluid but is inflamed, your doctor may recommend an anti-itch cream, such as one containing hydrocortisone; a cream containing zinc oxide to protect the skin; or an antifungal cream to prevent fungal infections.

Skin that is leaking fluid is treated with wet compresses. If you have ulcers on your legs, your doctor will show you how to apply layered compression bandages to protect the skin and maintain blood flow.

Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins #2: Cellulitis2025-09-04T12:29:09-07:00
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CONTACT INFORMATION

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

Privacy Policy

Hippa Privacy Practices
HIPAAOneTM Certified Seal 2

Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

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