Varicose veins are superficial veins that have enlarged due to damaged or diseased valves. This can keep blood from pumping effectively back toward the heart and causing it to pool in the legs. This backward flow of blood in the veins is known as venous reflux, or chronic venous insufficiency. It is progressive if not treated, and can lead to pressure, swelling, pain and bulging of veins above the surface of the skin as a result of this poor valve functioning.More >>
This condition involves the development of blockages in the arteries throughout the body due to the diabetes. Too much glucose builds up in the bloodstream either because of the body's inability to produce insulin or use it efficiently. Insulin is needed to transport glucose from the bloodstream to cells to be used for energy. Several vascular diseases are linked to diabetes. One is retinopathy, which is the abnormal growth of blood vessels in your retina, which is part of the eye. More >>
DVT refers to a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the body, most commonly in the legs. When a DVT forms, it can venous blood flow to back up, which can lead to pain, tenderness and swelling. If severe and left untreated, a DVT can break off and travel to the heart and lungs (known as a pulmonary embolus, or PE), and become lodged there. This can lead to cardiopulmonary collapse and death. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain and cough.More >>
Atherosclerosis, or hardening or narrowing of the arteries, is a circulatory problem that can reduce blood flow going to the legs. The symptoms of the reduced blood flow can range from muscle cramping and leg pain while walking (known as claudication), changes in skin color and temperature, poor wound healing, and can cause eventual loss of legs. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history, poor nutrition and lack of exercise.
Spider veins are small superficial blood vessels that appear red or blue of the skin surface. These dilated vessels most commonly occur on the legs or face. Symptoms can include dull or throbbing pain, or a burning sensation. Not all spider veins cause pain, but can be easily treated by our physicians as a quick outpatient procedure.More >>
A non-healing or chronic wound is defined as a wound that shows little or no improvement after four weeks or does not heal in eight weeks. A non-healing wound poses the risk of an infection which could lead to a more serious condition, as in the loss of a limb. Wound healing is dependant on blood supply. Bloods bring oxygen, plasma, platelets, and a host of essential nutrients to help the wound heal. More >>
2126 Charlie Hall Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29414
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