Chronic Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
As blood cycles throughout the body, your veins usually carry blood from your feet, up the leg, and back to your heart. Venous insufficiency occurs when blood in one or more leg veins does not flow in the proper direction and begins to flow back down the vein, collecting in pools.
This pooling can cause pain or a “heaviness” in the legs and lead to enlarged, bulging, and twisted veins. These veins, called Varicose Veins, are often visible through the skin.
What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Your body uses several mechanisms to propel blood through your veins. Leg muscles contract when you walk, pushing blood upward. Smooth muscles that line the veins also contract to keep blood flowing. Valves in your veins open, allowing blood to flow up toward your heart and close to prevent the blood from going backward. When one or more of these mechanisms doesn’t work properly, blood flows down the vein, collecting in pools.
Some of the common risk factors that contribute to chronic venous insufficiency include:
- Age 50 or older
- Obesity
- Multiple pregnancies
- History of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Smoking
- Family history of chronic venous insufficiency
- Damaged valves in the veins of the legs
- Leg trauma
- Extended sitting or standing
- History of varicose veins
- Inactive lifestyle
- Phlebitis
What Are the Symptoms ?
Chronic venous insufficiency only worsens over time, so it’s crucial to call Complex Healthcare when you notice symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications. The symptoms associated with venous insufficiency include:
- Varicose veins
- Aching or tired legs
- Swollen lower legs and ankles
- Leathery skin on your legs
- itchy skin on your legs
- Reddish- brown discoloration called hemosiderin staining
- Venous stasis ulcerations
Treatments for Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency
At [Your Vascular Clinic Name], we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Our dedicated team of vascular specialists offers a comprehensive range of treatments tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Whether you are seeking cosmetic improvement or relief from discomfort, we are committed to providing effective and personalized care to improve your vascular health.
Treatment Options:
- Conservative Management:
- Lifestyle modifications: Our specialists may recommend certain lifestyle changes to manage varicose veins and venous insufficiency. These may include regular exercise, weight management, elevation of legs, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.
- Compression therapy: Wearing compression stockings or wraps can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms such as swelling, pain, and discomfort.
- Sclerotherapy:
- Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a solution directly into the affected veins. This solution irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and eventually fade away. Sclerotherapy is commonly used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins.
- Endovenous Ablation:
- Endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat larger varicose veins and underlying venous insufficiency. It involves inserting a thin catheter into the affected vein and applying either laser energy (endovenous laser ablation) or radiofrequency energy (radiofrequency ablation) to close the vein. This allows blood to be rerouted to healthier veins.
- VenaSeal™:
- VenaSeal™ is a cutting-edge, non-thermal, and non-tumescent closure system for treating varicose veins and venous insufficiency. It involves using a medical adhesive to seal the affected vein, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. This procedure is minimally invasive, does not require anesthesia, and offers quick recovery times.
- Vein Stripping and Ligation:
- Vein stripping and ligation may be recommended for severe cases of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. It involves surgically removing or tying off the affected veins through small incisions.
- Venous Stenting:
- In cases where venous insufficiency is caused by narrowing or blockage of the veins, venous stenting may be performed. This procedure involves placing a stent—a small, mesh-like tube—within the narrowed vein to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
Our experienced vascular specialists will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment option based on the severity of your varicose veins and venous insufficiency, your overall health, and your treatment goals. We are dedicated to delivering personalized care and ensuring your comfort throughout the treatment process.