Vein disease Perth
Understanding the 6 stages of vein disease
Chronic vein disease progresses through six stages, from no visible signs to active leg ulcers. Let’s explore these stages to better understand the condition.
Vein disease Perth
What are the stages of vein disease?
Vein disease progresses in clearly defined stages, known as the CEAP classification. It ranges from healthy veins (C0) to more advanced conditions, such as ulcers (C5 and C6). Identifying the stage of your vein disease is crucial for seeking the right treatment at the right time.
“Don’t wait for vein issues to worsen. With the right care at the right time, we can address the problem and improve your quality of life.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
C0: Healthy leg
No visible signs of vein disease. Legs feel normal with no discomfort, swelling, or changes to the skin.
C1: Spider veins
Small, thin veins visible near the skin’s surface. Often blue or red in colour, they may be a cosmetic concern or an early sign of venous issues.
C2: Varicose veins
Veins are enlarged, twisted, and raised. You may experience aching, heaviness, or itching, especially after prolonged standing or walking.
C3: Swelling (oedema)
Fluid begins to build up in the lower leg, leading to noticeable swelling, particularly around the ankles. This is often due to poor vein function.
C4: Skin changes
Venous disease can cause skin discolouration, eczema, or thickened skin. Skin around the ankles might turn reddish-brown due to prolonged pooling of blood.
C5: Healed ulcer
A sign of advanced vein disease. These are areas where ulcers have healed but may leave behind scars or discoloured skin.
C6: Active ulcer
The most severe stage. Open wounds, typically around the ankle, are painful and slow to heal. They require immediate medical attention to avoid further complications.
Why early detection is key
The earlier vein disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. Stages C1-C3 are typically managed with minimally invasive treatments.
For patients in the earlier stages of vein disease (C1 to C3), the focus is on improving circulation, improving symptoms, and preventing progression. These stages are often managed with minimally invasive treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
1. Lifestyle changes and prevention
- Regular exercise: Activities like walking or cycling improve blood flow and strengthen calf muscles, which help pump blood back to the heart.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on veins.
- Avoid prolonged standing or sitting: Frequent movement and elevating the legs can ease discomfort.
- Compression stockings: Specially fitted stockings improve circulation and prevent swelling.
2. Sclerotherapy (C1 and C2)
For spider veins (C1) and small varicose veins (C2), sclerotherapy is an effective and minimally invasive treatment. A solution is injected into the problematic vein, causing it to collapse and eventually fade. However, the underlying problem may be a larger (truncal) vein that is not working. That may need to be fixed (by laser or glue ablation) prior to fixing the smaller veins.
- Advantages: Quick procedure, minimal discomfort, and no downtime.
- Ideal for: Cosmetic concerns or small, isolated veins.
3. Endovenous treatments (C2 and C3)
When varicose veins are larger or symptoms like aching or swelling are present (C2 or C3), treatments such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or VenaSeal glue ablation may be recommended.
- How it works: These procedures close off the faulty veins, allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins.
- Benefits: Minimally invasive, no general anaesthetic required, and quick recovery.
4. Phlebectomy (C2 and C3)
For larger, more prominent varicose veins, ambulatory phlebectomy may be used. This involves removing the affected veins through tiny incisions.
- Advantages: Performed under local anaesthetic with minimal scarring.
- Recovery: Patients typically resume normal activities within a day or two.
Treating vein disease in its earlier stages can prevent progression to more severe conditions like skin changes (C4) or ulcers (C5 and C6). It also improves quality of life, reducing symptoms like heaviness, swelling, and discomfort.
By stage C4-C6, more intensive therapies may be required to manage the condition and improve quality of life.
For patients in the later stages of vein disease (C4 to C6), treatment focuses on addressing complications like skin changes, ulcers, and venous insufficiency. These therapies are designed to not only treat the visible symptoms but also target the underlying issues to prevent recurrence. Here’s what they typically involve:
1. Compression therapy
Compression bandages or stockings are often used to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. While effective for healing ulcers and alleviating discomfort, compression therapy works best when combined with other treatments.
2. Advanced wound care
For patients with active ulcers (C6), specialised wound care is essential. This includes:
- Debridement: Removal of dead or infected tissue to promote healing.
- Specialised dressings: Designed to maintain a clean, moist environment to aid recovery.
- Infection management: Antibiotics may be prescribed if the wound is infected.
3. Endovenous procedures
Minimally invasive techniques like endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or VenaSeal glue therapy are commonly used to close faulty veins, improving circulation and preventing further complications.
4. Open surgery for severe cases
In complex cases, open surgery may be needed to address large, problematic veins or advanced venous insufficiency. This can involve vein stripping or tying off damaged veins.
5. Arterial interventions (for arterial ulcers)
For arterial ulcers or severe cases of poor circulation, procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or even bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to the affected area.
6. Skin grafting or reconstructive surgery
In cases where ulcers fail to heal or the damage to the tissue is extensive, skin grafting or reconstructive surgery may be considered to restore functionality and appearance.
Combining treatments like compression therapy, minimally invasive procedures, and wound care often leads to the best outcomes.
Varicose Veins Perth
Dr Altaf: Helping you at every stage of vein disease
Whether you’re at an early stage or dealing with a more advanced condition like ulcers, Dr Nishath Altaf and his team offer comprehensive care. From spider veins to complex venous conditions, we provide tailored solutions to help you feel your best.