It is estimated that about 40% of Americans have chronic venous insufficiency. This common condition occurs when the vein walls in the legs do not function properly, causing the blood to accumulate. Since the blood cannot flow back to the heart, it can cause swelling, aching, itchiness, and skin changes. Left untreated, the pressure can cause the tiny blood vessels to burst, resulting in further complications.
What Causes Venous Insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency develops when the valves or vein walls become damaged. The condition is common in individuals over 50. It can also occur due to prolonged sitting or standing that impairs blood circulation in the legs. But inactivity can also contribute to disease development. Females are more vulnerable to venous insufficiency than men. Other risk factors are family history, obesity, pregnancy, and smoking.
If you experience persistent swelling or aching in the lower legs and ankles or notice varicose veins, you may want to consider visiting a doctor. Your provider can perform the necessary tests and review your venous insufficiency treatment options.
Treatment Options for Venous Insufficiency
Make Lifestyle Modifications
The good news is that you can reduce the disabling effects of venous insufficiency by making positive lifestyle changes. First, make it a point to exercise regularly. Physical activity can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and naturally improve blood flow in the legs. Aim for exercises that increase ankle movement and strengthen the muscle pump in the calves. You can try walking, cycling, and swimming to keep the blood flowing.
Regular exercise also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which reduces pressure on the leg veins. Doctors have found that obesity is a risk factor for the development and progression of vein disorders. If you’re overweight or obese, you may want to consider weight loss management first before looking at venous insufficiency treatment.
You should also try to keep your salt intake to a minimum since inflammation can worsen venous insufficiency. You should also pay attention to your calorie intake and eat a balanced diet. Quit smoking if you haven’t already since it may increase the risk of vein-related problems down the line.
Wear Compression Stockings
Wearing compression stockings or support hose is a simple but effective venous insufficiency treatment. These elastic stockings put gentle pressure and compress the arteries and veins in the legs, promoting blood circulation.
While you can buy compression stockings at pharmacies and medical stores, it’s best to consult with your doctor first. These stockings come in different compressions from 8 mm Hg to 50 mm Hg. Your doctor is best placed to determine the right compression based on your symptoms and give the necessary instructions.
Take Medications
Your primary care doctor may also recommend medications to help you control painful symptoms and prevent further complications. Coupled with compression stockings, your doctor may recommend medications that increase blood flow through the vessels.
If the condition is linked to a skin infection, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. Antibacterial medications can also help with deeper infections and leg ulcers.
If you have post-thrombotic syndrome, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent the formation of blood clots. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking medications.
Consider Medical Procedures
Your doctor may also recommend certain medical procedures to relieve symptoms. One venous insufficiency treatment option is endovenous laser ablation. This minimally invasive procedure uses heat to treat and close the affected vein. Once the vein closes, blood is rerouted to other healthy veins.
Your doctor may also recommend sclerotherapy. During this procedure, they will inject a chemical directly into the affected veins, causing them to scar and eventually collapse. The blood then returns to your heart through healthier veins. You may need to go through several sclerotherapy sessions to achieve desired results.
Surgery
In severe cases where you no longer respond to non-surgical treatments, your doctor may consider surgery. It is estimated that less than 10% of patients require surgery.
One surgical venous insufficiency treatment is ligation. During this procedure, your doctor will tie off the affected vein to block off the blood. But if the veins are severely damaged, they can remove the vein entirely in a process known as vein stripping.
Venous Insufficiency Treatment In Irmo, South Carolina
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to venous insufficiency treatment. The treatment would depend on your age, medical history, risk factors, and overall health. It’s important to work with a doctor who can review your options based on your unique needs.
For personalized and comprehensive venous insufficiency treatment, visit SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, LLC today. Our highly skilled doctors can perform a comprehensive assessment of your condition and design a treatment plan. Depending on your condition, our specialists may recommend a combination of non-surgical and surgical procedures.
To schedule an appointment, call us today at (803) 749-1111 or fill out our online appointment request form. We serve Irmo and the surrounding region. We welcome your call and look forward to serving you.
