The primary function of the arteries is to carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the blood. On the other hand, the veins carry the blood back to the heart. Veins have valves that stop the blood from flowing backward. Chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral Venous Insufficiency, a venous disease develops when the veins have trouble sending the blood from the limbs back to the heart. Since the blood does not get back to the heart, it causes blood to pool in your legs’ veins.
While there are various causes of venous insufficiency, the most common cause is varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots). Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is usually characterized by pain, cramps, and discomfort in your lower leg. You may also notice the development of spider veins on the lower limbs.
According to the American Heart Association, about 2.5 million individuals experience venous insufficiency in America. Out of these, about 500,000 people develop non-healing ulcers in the future. Besides discomfort and pain, people suffering from this condition may also notice the dark color on their legs. The skin on the leg also starts to have a leathery texture.
As mentioned previously, the leading causes of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) are varicose veins and blood clots. Healthy veins are responsible for a continuous flow of blood from the limbs to the heart. Varicose veins and blood clots disrupt the normal functioning of the veins. These conditions lead to the obstruction that restricts the blood from flowing forward through the veins. Blood clots block the veins, making it hard for the blood to flow. In the case of varicose veins, the valves that stop the blood from flowing back are often impaired or missing, forcing the blood to leak back.
In some cases, the leg muscles that help push the blood forward can also weaken, leading to venous insufficiency. According to Cleveland clinic reports, venous insufficiency is more common in women than in men. The report further indicates that the condition is more likely to affect adults over 50 years. Other venous insufficiency disease risk factors include:
The seriousness of chronic venous insufficiency and the treatment complexity increase as the disease progresses. As such, seeking medical intervention on the onset of the symptoms is crucial. Contrary to what most people believe, the problems will not go away on their own. However, when the diseases are treated earlier, you will have a better chance of preventing serious complications. The common symptoms for chronic venous insufficiency include:
When left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can result in pressure building in the veins. The increase in pressure causes the swelling to increase, forcing even the smallest blood vessels (capillaries) to burst. When the capillaries burst, the overlying skin changes the color and acquires a reddish-brown color. The skin is also susceptible to being broken if scratched or bumped.
Burst capillaries lead to various conditions. At the very least, they can cause internal tissue inflammation or damage. In severe cases, they can lead to an open sore on your skin surface. Even worse, venous stasis ulcers take a long time to heal, making them susceptible to infections. When the infections are not treated, they rapidly spread to the surrounding tissues.
Additionally, chronic venous insufficiency is also associated with twisted or enlarged veins close to the skin. While this condition can occur anywhere throughout the body, it often occurs in the legs.
Your doctor will start by doing a comprehensive physical examination. The doctor will also take your medical history to figure out whether you have chronic venous insufficiency. Your physician may also order an imaging test that pinpoints the problem source. Some of the standard imaging tests for diagnosing CVI include duplex ultrasound and a venogram.
A venogram is a test that enables the doctor to see the veins in the body, especially in the legs. During the procedure, your doctor will inject a special intravenous contrast dye into the veins. The unique contrast dye makes the blood vessels appear opaque on the X-ray image. The image will provide a clear picture of the blood vessels, enabling the doctor to detect abnormalities.
Duplex ultrasound involves high-frequency sound waves to look at the speed and the direction of blood flow in the veins. This test will also show the blood vessel width and reveal any blockages. The test is less invasive, meaning that you will not experience any pain. During the test, the technician will place some gel on the skin and then press a transducer (a small handheld device) against your leg. The device emits sound waves that bounce back to a computer and shows images of how the blood is flowing through your veins.
Similar to other diseases, venous insufficiency is easy to manage during the earliest stages. Lifestyle changes, vascular medicine, and vascular surgeries are also significant in managing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The treatment often depends on various factors, including the underlying cause, health status, and history. Some of the other factors to consider include;
Treatments for CVI’s main aim are to improve the blood flow in your legs. The treatment includes various strategies, including natural ways to improve blood circulation, special elastic stockings, medications, non-surgical treatments, and microsurgeries.
Sclerotherapy is a process that involves the injection of a solution into the varicose or spider veins that cause them to collapse and disappear. The procedure is relatively inexpensive and can be performed in the doctor’s office or home. It helps to relieve pain and discomfort as well as preventing complications such as ulceration and venous bleeding.
Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat varicose veins. An RFA utilizes high-frequency radio waves directed through a thin tube to create intense heat within the varicose vein.
VenaSeal is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that uses a medical adhesive to close the affected veins. This procedure effectively reroutes blood flow to healthier veins, alleviating symptoms and improving the appearance of the legs without the need for heat, anesthesia, or stitches.cordion Content
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove varicose veins through small incisions in the skin. It is performed under local anesthesia and typically leaves minimal scarring, effectively alleviating symptoms and improving the appearance of the affected area.
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are harmless. Most people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. However, treatment will also alleviate the mild yet persistent discomfort this condition sometimes causes.
The physicians at Pedes Orange County devote their lives to saving limbs and minimizing pain. Our conveniently located, state-of-the-art facility is designed for your comfort and utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide minimally invasive treatments. Our vascular surgeons and vascular specialists are board-certified and some of the best in Southern California. Personable staff members make every visit a positive experience, with short wait times and an efficient, streamlined process that ensures you leave feeling educated and confident that you are in good hands.
Vascular Specialist
Vascular Specialist
Vascular Specialist
Vascular Surgeon
At Pedes Orange County Clinic, you can expect expert assistance and professional treatment from all staff members. We take pride in delivering the best possible outcome by offering high-standard individualized care. With over a decade of experience in this field, we have completed thousands of procedures to treat chronic venous insufficiency.
To demonstrate our commitment to offering the best treatment, we have volunteered to participate in various evaluations to ensure our clinic meets and exceeds the national performance in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) treatments. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and get started on getting a solution that meets your specific needs.
We prioritize our patient needs. Through our vast experience in this field, we take pride in offering precise treatment that stops the disease progresses quickly and offer advice on lifestyle changes that prevent the condition from resurfacing.
It is our goal to ensure that you live a happy, healthy life. As such, our patient care does not stop after the end of a procedure in our clinic. We also schedule follow-up appointments to evaluate the recovery and results. Our friendly physicians are also more than happy to help you with any concerns about our diagnostics tests and treatment procedures. Please schedule an appointment today, and we promise to deliver the best possible experience and results.
Your treatment will begin with an ultrasound examination of your veins, arteries, or both, in your legs to diagnose the presence and extent of the disease. Your test results will be immediately available to review with the doctor.
Once we review the results of your diagnostic tests, our physicians will help you develop a plan to provide you with the best treatment for your disease.
Your treatment will begin with an ultrasound examination of your veins, arteries, or both, in your legs to diagnose the presence and extent of the disease. Your test results will be immediately available to review with the doctor.
Your treatment will begin with an ultrasound examination of your veins, arteries, or both, in your legs to diagnose the presence and extent of the disease. Your test results will be immediately available to review with the doctor.
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