When patients contract vein diseases, the negative side effects on their circulatory systems vary greatly. Although some conditions are localized, the fact that these vital pathways can no longer perform their functions properly means that most vein diseases are best treated by experts.

Understanding the Circulatory System

The blood in your body replenishes various tissues with oxygen and nutrients via pathways called arteries. After these substances have been extracted by the organs, this same blood returns to the heart and lungs through veins.

The veins have one-way valves inside them to prevent blood from flowing backwards during the time between beats when the heart is not actually pushing blood forward. Thus blood is able to return to the heart and lungs against the force of gravity, which is trying to push the blood down to the center of the earth.

The Multiple Faces of Vein Disease and the Wal-Mart Diagnostician

Problems with one’s veins result in signs and symptoms that observant people can easily recognize. Go into any Wal-Mart during the summer and look around while you are shopping. Notice people’s legs. What do you see?

Big bulging veins are an easy tip off. In fact, most visible vascular structures that were not present in high school are signs of venous disease: bulging varicose veins, spider veins, redness, eczema, swelling, brownish pigmentation, and scarring. I would wager that you could diagnose vein disease every time you go to the store.

Why Do People Get Vein Diseases?

The good news is that although there are many manifestations of vein disease there is one underlying common cause—vein high pressure. This high pressure in the veins develops slowly over many years. It is the result of the breakdown of the delicate one-way valves present in the veins under the constant pressure of gravity.

The older you are, the more likely gravity has had time to break some of your vein valves down.

The Next Steps for Vein Treatment

If you are confident that you have vein disease then the first step is to fight gravity, in order to not make your situation worse. Since compression hose fight gravity, then getting a properly fit pair of support hose in as strong as possible compression is the first step.

The second would be to seek an evaluation by a physician Board Certified in Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. If you suspect you are suffering from vein disease, make an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruess of Five Star Vein Institute. Dr. Ruess will make an accurate diagnosis and provide you with treatment options.