If you’ve been suffering from varicose veins, there may be another underlying cause that you aren’t aware of. Incompetent perforator veins often can cause symptoms that are similar to varicose veins, and they can even be the reason you have varicose veins.
What Causes Incompetent Perforator Veins?
The human body has two different networks of veins that are responsible for carrying blood back to the heart. One of these networks is very close to the skin, while the other is located deeper in the body, near the bones and nerves. These networks are connected by what is called a perforator vein.
Similar to varicose veins, incompetent perforator veins are caused by a malfunction in the vein’s valve. And when this valve weakens or becomes damaged, blood is able to pool in the vein, creating pressure against the vein wall.
Women are slightly more likely to experience this vein disorder. Other factors are a family history of varicose veins, hormonal changes, aging, trauma, sitting or standing for long lengths of time, pregnancy, and obesity.
What are the Symptoms?
If you have incompetent perforator veins, then you may feel a range of different symptoms. For one, an incompetent vein causes circulatory problems in the body, which can lead to varicose veins, dermatitis, skin ulcers, edema, and discoloration of the skin. It can also cause pain and swelling in the legs.
Treatment Options
To determine whether you are suffering from incompetent perforator veins, we will first conduct a routine ultrasound. This procedure will give us a good idea of where your incompetent perforator veins are and how many you have. Once it’s determined that you do have these veins, then you can learn more about the available treatments.
If you’re suffering from incompetent perforator veins, then it’s imperative that you get them treated right away. Book an appointment at Pacific Vein Care so that we can talk through all of your treatment options. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at our office in McHenry.