Vein disease is a complication of the circulatory system that falls into two broad categories: insufficiency and thrombosis.
Thrombosis is the term used to describe a blockage within the vein caused by a blood clot. Such clots are typically the result of another condition such as cancer, pregnancy, prolonged immobility, use of contraceptives, or a genetic predisposition to blood clots.
There are multiple types of thrombosis, which include:
A patient is determined to have venous insufficiency if they experience inadequate venous drainage. This means that the veins within the legs are unable to bring the blood back to the heart for proper re-oxygenation. Insufficiency is typically caused by the formation of a blood clot, or by an inherited abnormality of the vein wall.
There are two classifications of insufficiency, which are determined according to whether or not the insufficiency is deep or superficial. Deep venous insufficiency is a condition called chronic venous insufficiency, which is characterized by inadequate drainage over a long period of time. Superficial venous insufficiency is otherwise known as varicose veins, which are fairly simple and painless to treat.
To learn more about vein disease and how you can treat common vein disorders like varicose veins and spider veins, please contact our Flower Mound office at (972)736-9980 to schedule an appointment with our exceptional vein specialist, Dr. Robert Handley.