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SYMPTOMS YOU MAY EXPERIENCING:
VISIBLE VEINS
Visible or lumpy veins (also known as spider, reticular, or varicose veins) can be a sign of a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This is not usually a dangerous condition but can have a wide spectrum of effects from poor cosmetic appearance, to debilitating symptoms (leg swelling/discomfort), to serious complications (bleeding, skin thickening or ulceration).
At YVS, we have a systematic approach to determining the cause of the chronic venous insufficiency. High quality vascular sonography helps us to identify the targets for potential treatment, and are also an important aspect of any treatment. We develop a shared understanding of the condition and its effects with the patient, and formulate a sound management plan.
LEG SWELLING
There are a multitude of causes for leg swelling, which can include disorders relating a number of organs (heart, kidneys, musculoskeletal) or infective causes. The key vascular causes of leg swelling include venous insufficiency or lymphatic insufficiency (lymphoedema).
At YVS, we undertake a thorough assessment of your health in order to determine which causes of leg swelling may be relevant for the patient. Often, a thorough assessment has already been performed by the referring doctor, and we can supplement that with our specialist vascular knowledge. Once a sound diagnosis is established, a shared treatment plan can be instituted.
LEG PAIN
Leg pain when walking or pain when the legs are elevated (e.g. sleeping in bed) can be an important symptom of arterial disease. It is important to establish the cause of the leg pain, as there can be a number of factors from arterial blockages to nerve impingement/spinal disease, that can have very similar symptoms.
At YVS we understand this can be a very debilitating symptom, and we take a systematic approach to assess the symptoms and conduct investigations to determine the exact cause of the patients pain. We also assess the severity of symptoms to ensure any treatment that is required is delivered in the most efficient manner.
ULCERS
An ulcer is any break in the integrity of the normal layers of skin. Ulcers can be a complication of venous or arterial disease, or secondary to diabetes. There are other causes including infective or traumatic. In many cases, there are multiple causes acting simultaneously to initiate or perpetuate an ulcer. They can lead to a number of complications, including bone infection (osteomyelitis) or blood stream infection, which can be very serious.
At YVS, we invest a great deal of effort into efficiently diagnosing ulcers to identify the precise cause or causes. We then formulate a thorough treatment plan that we deliver in the most efficient way in order to allow the ulcer to heal and allow the patient to return to function as soon as possible. A multidisciplinary approach is key, and we ensure collaboration with podiatry, wound specialists, as well as a diabetes specialists as may be required.