If your veins have issues sending blood back to your heart, you will notice symptoms like the pooling of blood in your legs and bulging veins. This condition is called venous insufficiency, and it can turn chronic and become a long-term issue for patients that have it.
Chronic venous insufficiency affects approximately 20 percent of adults in the United States, with women more prone to developing the condition than men. By the age of 50, approximately 40 percent of women may be affected by vein insufficiency. It is often the result of a combination of risk factors and causes, which include aging, being overweight, extended periods of time being on your feet or sitting down, and having a history of clotting.
If your veins have trouble sending blood back to your heart, it could be due to faulty vein valves, in which case, it should be addressed by a medical professional before complications, like clotting, bleeding from burst capillaries, and the development of ulcers, happen.
Here are symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency to look out for.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency is the formation of discolored or large veins in your legs. These varicose veins will be blue or purple in color and look like spider webs with twisted branches stemming out. The veins may be accompanied by swelling, especially after you are on your feet and walking for a long period of time.
You may also notice skin changes, such as a thickening, dryness, and the appearance of skin ulcers. The skin on your legs may also appear discolored and darker than the skin on the rest of your body. Other symptoms include a feeling of pain, discomfort, cramping, heaviness, and a throbbing and burning sensation, particularly after being on your feet for a while.
While chronic venous insufficiency is not life-threatening on its own, it can cause major discomfort, not to mention unsightly veins on your legs. The symptoms can also affect your lifestyle and your ability to participate in the activities that you want.
If you have symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, you should seek help from a vein specialist. They can treat the veins on your legs and provide recommendations for better circulation. There are a variety of treatments available to treat veins that can lead to chronic venous insufficiency and other health issues.
Treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency in Irmo, South Carolina
The vein experts at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation’s Rejuvenations Medical Spa specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
We use a combination of conservative and highly advanced vein therapy methods. Our primary goal is to improve blood flow in your body through treatments for your veins, and our secondary goal is to make sure you enjoy beautiful, clear skin for years to come.
To schedule a consultation with our talented vein specialists, call us at (803) 781-1201 or request an appointment now. Our staff looks forward to welcoming you to our facility in Irmo!
