CONDITIONS
Venous disease
OVERVIEW
Venous disorders are a group of conditions that affect the veins. The veins are responsible for carrying blood from the legs back to the heart. Venous diseases include blood clots in the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis), blood clots in the superficial veins (superficial vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis) and chronic venous insufficiency which results in spider veins, varicose veins, leg swelling and chronic venous leg ulceration.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VENOUS DISEASE?
Depending on the type of venous disorder you have symptoms may vary. Venous diseases often cause symptoms such as:
- Spider veins (superficial veins or ‘blue lines’ on the legs)
- Varicose veins (bulging or dilated veins just below the skin surface)
- Veins that appear twisted and bulging
- Red or purple bursts through the skin or around your ankles
- Swelling of the legs or ankles
- Legs that ache or feel heavy
- Throbbing or cramping of the legs
- Itchy legs
- Ulcers or sores on the legs especially around the ankles