What is it?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Causes swollen legs, pain, and varicose veins.
When your veins, particularly those in your legs, are unable to effectively return blood to your heart, it is known as chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI. If treatment is not received, this may result in a series of unpleasant symptoms and possibly life-threatening consequences.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include:
- Leg pain that aches, throbs, or cramps: This usually gets better with elevation and gets worse at the end of the day.
- Leg heaviness and fatigue: Anything you do can become exhausting if you feel as though your legs are always heavy.
- Ankle and foot swelling is a common sign of CVI and might get worse over the course of the day.
- Skin changes: In extreme situations, the skin around the ankles may become ulcerated, dry, itchy, and discolored.
- Visible varicose veins: These unattractive and unpleasant bulging, twisted veins are a prominent indicator of CVI.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Diagnosis:
Physical examination: Your physician will search for varicose veins, swelling, and skin abnormalities as indicators of CVI.
Doppler ultrasound: This medical procedure measures blood flow in your veins and detects obstructions using sound waves.
Ankle-brachial index (ABI): This test measures how well your veins are functioning by comparing the blood pressure in your ankle and arm.
Typical therapy alternatives include the following:
Changes to your lifestyle: Elevating your legs, losing weight, and engaging in regular exercise can all enhance circulation and lessen discomfort.
Compression stockings: By applying pressure to your legs, these specialty stockings assist in drawing blood back up towards your heart.
Medication: If you have a blood clot, blood thinners may be required, however diuretics can help reduce swelling.
Minimally invasive techniques: Small varicose veins can be sealed off with laser ablation or sclerotherapy.
Surgery: To remove or bypass clogged veins, surgery may be required in extreme situations.
Take Charge of Your Vein Health!
Contact Uprite Medical today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more active life.
