Our veins in our legs are responsible for carrying blood back to the heart, and the valves in the veins help stop blood from flowing backward. When the veins experience some trouble sending back the blood to the heart from the limbs, it means the individual is suffering from venous insufficiency. It is a condition that prevents the veins from sending blood back to the heart. This can cause blood to accumulate in the veins in your legs.
There are several factors that can cause venous insufficiency. However, it is most commonly caused by varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots).
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment for venous insufficiency that uses radiofrequency energy. Click to read more about RFA.
Over time, venous insufficiency can cause skin changes, swelling, and pain in your legs. Venous insufficiency may also lead to ulcers called open sores on your legs.
What Causes Venous Insufficiency?
Venous Insufficiency is often caused by varicose veins or blood clots. In healthy veins, there is continuous blood flow from the limbs back to the heart. Valves in the veins help prevent the backflow of blood.
In some cases, weak leg muscles that congest the blood flow can lead to venous insufficiency. On the other hand, in varicose veins, the valves within the veins in the legs are often impaired or missing. This causes the blood to leak through the damaged valves.
Exercise is necessary if you want to keep the health of your veins in the legs intact. Also, avoid standing and sitting for long stretches of time. It can put pressure on your veins and may weaken the valves.
The following are the factors that may cause venous insufficiency –
· Standing or sitting for long periods without moving
· Family history of venous insufficiency
· Swelling of a superficial vein (phlebitis)
· Trauma, leg injury, muscle weakness
· Cancer
· Smoking
· Pregnancy
· Obesity
· Varicose veins
· Blood clots
· An individual aged over 50 may experience venous insufficiency
What are the Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency?
Individuals suffering from venous insufficiency may experience acute to chronic symptoms. These may include:
· A feeling of tightness in the calves
· Varicose veins
· Leg ulcers
· Skin changing its color around the ankles
· Thickening of the skin around the legs and ankles
· Weak legs
· Itchy legs
· A feeling of heaviness, throbbing or aching in the lower legs
· Leg cramps
· Pain that gets worse when you stand
· Swelling of the legs or ankles – also known as edema
Without treatment, the swelling and pressure will burst the tiny blood vessels in your legs known as the capillaries. You may experience color changes (reddish-brown) near the ankles. Moreover, ulcers may form, which are not only hard to heal but are also prone to infections.
If you experience any symptoms of venous insufficiency, you need to immediately consult it with your doctor and get the necessary treatment. The sooner you treat, the less will be the complications.
Here are some basic remedies that can help alleviate pain and complications.
· Practice good skin hygiene
· Take antibiotics needed to treat any skin infections
· Wear compression stockings
· Elevate your legs while lying down or sitting
· Lose weight if you are overweight
· Exercise regularly
· Avoid long periods of sitting and standing
