Circulation
We only have 2 types of blood vessels in our body. Arteries and veins. Our circulatory system is a closed loop.
Whether you’re suffering from swelling in your legs due to spider veins, varicose veins or venous stasis ulcers, the cause may be the same: chronic venous insufficiency. This underlying problem manifests itself in a variety of painful, unsightly conditions.
Any valve in the human body that is leaky is called an insufficient valve. In your legs alone, there are between 80 and 100 valves that channel and direct blood up your legs. If one or more of these valves are leaky or insufficient, it may back up your entire venous system. This condition is called chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency wears a lot of disguises and can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You may have multiple spider veins, venous stasis ulcers or varicose veins. In each of these conditions, you can have a range of symptoms, including aching, pain, leg fatigue, tiredness, itching, rashes, heaviness or swelling/edema.
While each of these conditions can be unsightly, for many patients the main complaint is the impact on their quality of life. Many patients with the condition may have no problematic appearance of any symptoms on their legs, which can lead to diagnostic confusion. Approximately 20 percent of all patients with chronic venous insufficiency exhibit no outward sign of the condition.
How is chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed? First, your comprehensive medical history will be reviewed, followed by an evaluation of your current medications and a physical exam.
If indicated, a specialized ultrasound is performed, which measures the size of your veins and determines how long it takes for your valves to close. Based on these measurements, your doctor will be able to diagnose chronic venous insufficiency.
If your doctor determines that you do have chronic venous insufficiency, your treatment will be completed in the office. Only local anesthetic is used, and no sedation is necessary.
Still wondering if you should make an appointment to be evaluated for chronic venous insufficiency? Consider a guiding principle that the Nellestein Vein Institute embraces: vein disease should be cured and not endured.
Call today to schedule your free consultation. You’ll be so glad to receive treatment and no longer endure the pain that comes with chronic venous insufficiency.
