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• Inflammation and/or swelling of the leg
• Leg pain
• Varicose veins
• Discoloration
• Hardening of the skin or leg ulcers

Swelling (Edema):
Occurs due to buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues, often in the lower leg and ankle. Prolonged swelling should not be ignored, as it may be a sign of serious disease or chronic venous insufficiency. Consult your physician.

Symptoms of edema include:

• Enlarged ankles and calf
• Discomfort or tired legs
• Decreased mobility (leg may feel heavy)
• Decreased skin elasticity

Varicose Veins:
Varicose veins can be mild or severe. They are caused from a backflow or pooling of blood in a damaged vein. They may also occur as a result of heredity or develop during pregnancy. Spider veins are small, dilated vessels located close to the skin. They appear in a spidery or sunburst pattern

Symptoms of varicose veins include:

• Bulging veins
• Aching and discomfort in the leg
• Leg heaviness and fatigue
• Inflammation

Venous Ulcers:
The chronic backup of blood due to damaged valves allows blood to pool in the lower leg, causing swelling. Chronic swelling interferes with the nutrition and oxygen supply to the skin. The skin becomes dry, flaky and darker in color. The skin is fragile and easily breaks with minor trauma, forming and open wound, slow to heal.

Symptoms of venous ulcers include:

• Swelling of the ankle and lower leg
• Dermatitis
• Purple or brown
• Discoloration of the skin around and above the ankles
• Open skin with moderate to heavy drainage

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
A DVT is a blood clot (thrombosis) that forms in a deep vein, partially or completely blocking the flow of blood. A serious, potentially fatal complication of DVT is that a clot can detach from the wall of the vein, travel through the bloodstream, and lodge in the lungs.

Symptoms of DVT:

• Sudden swelling in the leg
• A painful or tender leg
• Skin that warms to the touch

Managing DVT:
Depending on the location of your DVT, your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner (anticoagulant). This type of medication (such as heparin or coumadin) helps prevent further blood clotting while your body breaks the clot. You may be treated without being hospitalized. Your doctor may also prescribe compression stockings for you to wear while you are up and about and encourage you to walk.

Causes and risk factors of venous disorders:

• Heredity
• Lack of exercise: Standing still or sitting down for long periods of time deactivate your muscular pumps, resulting in pooling of blood in the legs and increasingly swollen veins.
• Age: As we get older, the walls of the veins become less elastic and more prone to venous disorders.
• Tightly fitting clothing
• Wearing high-heeled shoes
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption during flight