What are varicose veins?

These result when valves fail to function properly, causing blood to collect in your legs. Weakened veins and valves in your legs cause the formation of large, protruding and twisted veins just under your skin. Being overweight increases risk, and there is a strong genetic component, too. Sclerotherapy has proved to be a successful treatment, and wearing compression stockings may help.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins look like little red, blue or purple spiders on the skin but sometimes appear as spindly branches. They result from increased pressure or when the veins do not function properly. Sclerotherapy also is often a great option to treat spider veins, which are mainly cosmetic.

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

(DVT) occurs when a blood clot develops in a deep vein, causing swelling, pain, heat and redness. When your blood doesn’t clot properly, or if you are immobile due to prolonged bed rest, DVT may result. It can also even lead to a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).

What is a pulmonary embolism (PE)?

(PE) happens when some or all of a blood clot breaks off and makes its way to the lungs, where it implants. Since this blocks blood flow through the heart, it can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include chest pain, coughing up blood or shortness of breath. A PE might be treated with clot busters or blood thinners but may need more serious treatment to be resolved.

What is a chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiencies ensue when blood cannot return to the heart because it pools in a vein due to improperly functioning veins or valves. If you experience symptoms like newly developed varicose veins; achiness, swelling, itching or flakiness in the legs or feet; or stasis ulcers, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Understanding Vein Health & Vein Disease

Vein disease in the legs is very common – but very manageable. In fact, according to a large study by JAMA, nearly 50 million American men and women will suffer from some sort of vein disorder or disease in their legs. The good news? Vein diseases are treatable with minimally invasive techniques, so the sooner you address your leg pain issues the faster you’ll be back on your feet – pain free.

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Most people with a Vein Disease or Vein Disorder are anxious to know:

What is vein disease?

Vein disease is a medical condition in which a person’s veins are not properly returning blood from the legs back to the heart. There are several types of diseases:

What symptoms will I experience?

Vein disease is progressive, which means if left untreated you will have an increased risk of developing more symptoms, including potentially life-threatening complications such as blood clots. Common symptoms of vein disease include:

Bulging veins that are excessively visible
Heavy feeling in the legs
Calf pain and cramping
Discolored skin
Fatigue
Aching
Burning
Throbbing
Itching
Restlessness of the legs

Are there any risk factors?

Vein problems are easier to treat if they are diagnosed early. As a result, it’s important to be aware of the following risk factors:

A family history of varicose veins
Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins and other vein diseases
Pregnancy dramatically increases a woman’s risk of developing varicose veins
Professions that require long periods of either standing or sitting can cause vein problems
Obesity
Age

What are my treatment options for vein disease?

Gone are the old-school treatments of vein stripping and open surgery. At Northern Illinois Vein Clinic, we use the following cutting-edge technology and years of experience to create the best possible outcomes for our patients that suffer from a vein disease– with minimal discomfort and downtime:

Ultrasound Vein Mapping: Using an ultrasound to create a map of the body’s vein system helps to pinpoint any problem, as a skilled medical professional can see where the veins are functioning properly and where a specific problem exists.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): Replaces the need for vein stripping and open surgery. There is no scarring and minimal to no discomfort. Patients can even return to work the same day with some limited restrictions for two weeks.
Sclerotherapy: Achieves much the same effect as EVLA, but uses a liquid agent rather than light energy. Patients can drive themselves home after sclerotherapy and typically return to their normal activities the same day.

Vein Diseases Explained

Vein disease is often very visually apparent to those suffering from it but can also cause pain and discomfort. While conditions such as varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic vein insufficiency are all too common, with proper treatment the majority of these can be comfortably resolved. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, request a free vein screening today.

While some vein diseases are mainly cosmetic, others may result from potentially serious medical issues and need to be taken seriously. A visit to Northern Illinois Vein Clinic is necessary to evaluate and map the vein disorder and make a treatment plan.

Varicose Veins

These result when valves fail to function properly, causing blood to collect in your legs. Weakened veins and valves in your legs cause the formation of large, protruding, and twisted veins just under your skin. Being overweight increases risk, and there is a strong genetic component, too. Sclerotherapy has proved to be a successful treatment, and wearing compression stockings may help.
Spider Veins

Spider veins look like little red, blue or purple spiders on the skin but sometimes appear as spindly branches. They result from increased pressure or when the veins do not function properly. Sclerotherapy also is often a great option to treat spider veins, which are mainly cosmetic.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

(DVT) occurs when a blood clot develops in a deep vein, causing swelling, pain, heat, and redness. When your blood doesn’t clot properly, or if you are immobile due to prolonged bed rest, DVT may result. It can also even lead to a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
A Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

(PE) happens when some or all of a blood clot breaks off and makes its way to the lungs, where it implants. Since this blocks blood flow through the heart, it can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include chest pain, coughing up blood, or shortness of breath. A PE might be treated with clot busters or blood thinners but may need more serious treatment to be resolved.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiencies ensue when blood cannot return to the heart because it pools in a vein due to improperly functioning veins or valves. If you experience symptoms like newly developed varicose veins; achiness, swelling, itching, or flakiness in the legs or feet; or stasis ulcers, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment may begin with compression stockings or antibiotics but may require sclerotherapy or endovenous thermal ablation to resolve.

Vein Treatment Options

Luckily, modern medical advances have made the treatment of vein disease much less invasive with less pain and little-to-no downtime. Our team works to resolve your vein issues as quickly as possible using techniques like:

Ultrasound vein mapping
Endovenous laser ablation
Sclerotherapy
Blood thinners or clot busters

Contact Northern Illinois Vein Clinic For a Free Consultation Today!

When you need treatment for your painful or unsightly veins, the staff at Northern Illinois Vein Clinic has the experience and technology to provide the finest services in the area. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can screen your vein disorder and discuss options with you. Call (779) 696-8346 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Types of Vein Disease

Varicose Veins Appearing In Hiker's Legs

Spider Veins

Spider veins are tiny veins that lie just under the surface of your skin and are often purple or red in color. Some say spider veins remind them of a spider web, hence the name.

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Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common type of vein disease/disorder, which is why patients are always asking us what causes them and how to get rid of them.

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Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Like the water pipes in your home, veins and arteries have a mechanism that prevents blood from flowing the wrong way. If the mechanism becomes faulty, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein. This can happen in any limb, but most commonly occurs in the leg.

Learn More

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious and sometimes life-threatening vein disease. The presence of varicose veins can increase your risk of developing a DVT.

Learn More

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is the result of a deep vein thrombosis or blood clot and is considered a very serious medical emergency.

Learn More

Vein disease is progressive and will get worse over time if left untreated. If you have symptoms that indicate vein problems, don’t wait to seek a diagnosis and treatment.

Our team of experts specializes in diagnosing and treating vein disease as quickly and efficiently as possible, using minimally invasive techniques. This is what makes us the best choice in the Rockford area. Contact us today to get a leg up on life!

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Understanding Vein Health & Vein Disease

Most people with a Vein Disease or Vein Disorder are anxious to know:

Vein Diseases Explained

Varicose Veins

Spider Veins

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Vein Treatment Options

Contact Northern Illinois Vein Clinic For a Free Consultation Today!

Types of Vein Disease

Spider Veins

Varicose Veins

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Pulmonary Embolism

Location

Request a Free Screening

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