Insight into Venous Insufficiency - USA Vein Clinics

1. Insight into Venous Insufficiency Venous Insufficiency – Things to know Venous insufficiency refers to a medical condition where blood finds trouble flowing through the veins, thereby causing blood to pool in the legs. It is caused by vein disorders such as blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), varicose veins and other such conditions. Arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the heart out to the rest of the body, while veins carry blood back to the heart, and valves in the veins prevent blood from backflow. When veins become unable to carry blood from the limbs to the heart, this is called venous insufficiency. Causes Chances of getting venous insufficiency heighten when forward flow of blood is restricted due to blood clot and varicose veins. If there is a blood clot, blood builds up below the clot that causes venous insufficiency. In case of varicose veins, the valves are often absent or impaired, which causes blood to leak back through the damaged valves. Further, weakness in the legs contributes to venous insufficiency.

2. Other risk factors include • • • • • • • • • Obesity Pregnancy Muscle weakness, leg injury or trauma Swelling of a superficial vein (phlebitis) History of venous insufficiency in the family Inactivity Standing for long hours Smoking Cancer Symptoms of venous insufficiency • • • • • • • • • Swelling of the legs or ankles (Edema) Pain while walking – which fades way when legs are raised Cramps in the lower limbs Changes in skin color (around the ankles) Leg ulcers A feeling of tightness in calves Itchy legs Weak legs Thickening of the skin on your legs or ankles If you feel any of the symptoms mentioned, approach a physician at a reputed venous insufficiency treatment center, before it’s too late.

3. Treatment Treatment of venous insufficiency depends on the following factors: • • • • Health condition of the patient Medical history Age Severity of the condition The most common treatment includes prescription compression stockings. The stockings are meant to apply pressure at the ankle and lower leg, thereby improving blood flow. Compression stockings come in different strengths and lengths. Your physician would help you choose the best type of stocking depending upon the severity. Surgical treatments • • • • Removal (stripping) of veins and valves Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery Vein bypass Laser surgery Here are some tips to improve blood flow: • • • • Keep your legs raised whenever possible Don’t keep legs uncrossed when seated Keep yourself physically active Wear compression stockings to put pressure at lower legs Consult your doctor to get insight into vein removal treatment. Thanks For Watching http://www.usaveinclinics.com/