Venous

Understanding Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is a medical condition where the veins do not pump enough blood from the legs back to the heart. This condition is caused by weakened or faulty valves in the veins, which make it difficult to keep the blood flowing in one direction. There are two main types of venous insufficiency: primary and secondary.

Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

Symptoms of venous insufficiency may include:

• Pain or aching in the legs
• Tired, heavy, or aching legs
• Swelling of the legs or ankles
• Itching or burning in the legs
• Varicose veins and red or purple discoloration of the skin in the legs
• Skin ulcers near the ankle

Treating Venous Insufficiency

Treatment for venous insufficiency depends on the severity of the symptoms. The initial step is usually to make lifestyle changes:

• Exercise regularly
• Wear compression stockings
• Elevate the legs when sitting or lying down
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods

If lifestyle changes do not help, there are several medical treatments available. These include:

• Sclerotherapy – injecting a solution into the veins to shrink them
• Radiofrequency ablation – using heat to destroy veins
• Endovenous laser therapy – using a laser to seal off veins
• Ambulatory phlebectomy – surgical removal of varicose veins
• VenaSeal – sealing off veins with a medical adhesive

If you are experiencing any symptoms of venous insufficiency, it is important to talk to your doctor, who can diagnose the condition and determine the best treatment option for you.