After the arteries deliver fortified blood to the cells throughout the body, the cells take the nutrition and oxygen they need – and then the “used” blood goes back to the heart through the veins. Because the veins are so far away from the heart, they need help in pushing the blood in the right direction; for this purpose, veins have one-way valves that prevent backflow.
If any of these tiny valves in a vein doesn’t work properly, the resulting venous insufficiency can cause blood to pool in the vein. When this pooling happens in veins that are close to the skin, it becomes visible in the form of varicose veins and their smaller counterpart, spider veins.
Let’s talk about how venous insufficiency can develop in a vein, what the symptoms are, and where you can go in the Midlands to have your varicose veins and spider veins eliminated for good.
Signs of Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency won’t go away on its own, which is why earlier diagnosis and treatment are necessary to address the problem and to prevent serious complications – such as blood clots. That’s why it’s important to see a vein doctor if you have any of the following symptoms of venous insufficiency:
- Swelling of the legs or ankles, particularly after standing or walking for a long time
- Leg cramps
- Itching or flaking skin on the legs
- Leg pain that gets worse when standing, and gets better when raising the legs
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs and tightness in the calves
- Aching, throbbing, or tiredness in the legs
- Thickened or leather-looking skin on the legs
- Varicose veins and spider veins
When left untreated, tiny blood vessels (capillaries) – which connect the arteries to the veins – can burst due to excessive pressure of the blood on the vessel walls. As a result, the overlying skin can become reddish-brown in appearance, and it can become susceptible to being easily broken by even a minor scratch or bump.
Causes of Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency may occur as a result of sitting or standing for an extended period of time, or simply due to the normal aging process. Weakened valves in the veins have difficulty pushing the blood toward the heart, and so blood stays in the veins for a long time. This leads to the development of venous insufficiency.
In some cases, weakness of leg muscles can also contribute to venous insufficiency. The muscle must naturally contract and put pressure onto the veins in order to push blood upward toward the heart.
Other factors that can increase your chances of developing this issue include:
- Pregnancy
- Cancer
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Leg injury or trauma
- Family history of venous insufficiency and varicose veins
- Swelling of a superficial vein
Venous insufficiency can sometimes occur for an unknown reason. However, pelvic tumors and vascular malformations tend to eventually be determined to be the cause.
Venous Insufficiency Treatment in the Midlands and Irmo, South Carolina
If you notice any symptoms of venous insufficiency in your legs, arms, or other areas of your body, visit us at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation for a thorough assessment and treatment that works. Our skilled doctors will perform a comprehensive physical examination and offer a diagnosis. They will then devise a treatment plan depending on your age, medical history, overall health, and your own preferences. Your treatment plan might be a combination of surgical and nonsurgical procedures.
To get customized treatment for your venous insufficiency, call us today at (803) 749-1111 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
