June 9, 2017
Varicose or spider veins? You may have a condition called venous disease. About 15 percent of adults in America have venous disease, which is caused by abnormal veins. When vein vessels become damaged or weak, blood flows backwards and causes the veins to stretch, swell and twist.
Symptoms of venous disease may include the following:
One of the most common and visible signs of venous disease is spider veins – the small, purple or blue clusters of veins on the leg. Spider veins typically do not cause discomfort, but if they become painful it is important to meet with a physician who is qualified in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Varicose veins are larger, bluish veins that may appear enlarged.
Venous disease can progress and worsen over time due to the pressure created by the backflow of blood in the legs. This may lead to additional spider and varicose veins, and in some cases can lead to swelling and venous ulcers at the lower calf and ankle.
Cardiovascular Institute of the South is the only location in Opelousas to offer radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of varicose veins. In this minimally-invasive procedure, radiofrequency energy applies heat to the vein wall through a thin catheter to close off the vein.
If you think you may have venous disease, call the CIS location nearest you for a consultation with one of our vein specialists.
CIS operates seven vein centers including locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Houma, Zachary, Thibodaux, New Iberia, Jennings, Opelousas, Thibodaux, Harvey and Meridian, Mississippi. If you think you may have venous disease, call the location nearest to you or click to schedule a consultation.