Identifying Venous Insufficiency Stages

More than half of people over 40 develop some kind of lower limb varicose veins, according to research. But there are venous insufficiency stages , so early-stage sufferers may not experience any symptoms. But what are the stages? According to the Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology classification, stages progress from C0, or no visible vein disease symptoms, to C1, with noticeable spider veins. C2 is when varicose veins appear; at C3, you could develop edema. And at the final stage, C6, you may develop leg ulcers.

Because vein disease is progressive, untreated concerns will worsen. As such, it's important to notice earlier venous insufficiency symptoms and seek prompt intervention. Here's what you need to know.

Venous Insufficiency Stages: How Vein Disease Progresses

Vein disease progresses in the following stages.

STAGE 1: Small red or blue veins become visible beneath the skin. Though small, these indicate that valve function within the veins has been compromised.

STAGE 2: Symptomatic varicose veins develop, with pain, inflammation, leag heaviness or itchy skin becoming possible.

STAGE 3: Legs and ankles swell due to pooling blood. Skin may tighten or appear leathery.

STAGE 4: Skin color changes may result from blood pooling, particularly around the ankles and calves.

STAGE 5: Leg ulcers may develop.

STAGE 6: Venous stasis ulcers may cause bleeding, fluid or pus leakage. Your skin could give off a bad odor, and you'll be at increased risk for infection or amputation.

Seeking Vein Treatment: When's The Right Time

Look for the following signs of progressing venous insufficiency stages, and seek treatment at the first sign of changes:

1. Dilated leg veins appear.
2. Legs feel tired or heavy.
3. Phlebitis, or vein inflammation, can develop, causing the surrounding skin to turn red or hot to the touch. Painful, hard lumps may appear beneath the skin, commonly after direct trauma or after completing venous treatment. On occasion, phlebitis occurs randomyl in large varicose veins in the leg. Though not typically a medical concern when superficial, phlebitis should still be evaluated by a vascular specialist.
   
   

Ideally, if you spot symptoms of venous insufficiency stages early on, you can find effective relief from minimally invasive vein treatments. To learn more about your options, reach out to our experts to request a consultation !