Venous Insufficiency of Leg
Understanding Venous Insufficiency of the Leg
Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs don't function properly. This means that the blood flow is not moving as it should, leading to a buildup of pressure in the veins. The result of this can be pain, swelling, inflammation, a feeling of heaviness, skin discoloration and even ulcers. Here we'll take a look at what venous insufficiency of the leg is, what symptoms to look out for, and how it can be treated.
What is Venous Insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency is when the contraction and relaxation of leg muscles stops veins in the leg from working correctly. This means that the veins don't contract properly, allowing the blood to pool in the veins and preventing it from returning to the heart. Over time, this can increase pressure in the veins and lead to symptoms.
Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency
Common symptoms of venous insufficiency of the leg can include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- A feeling of heaviness
- Skin discoloration
- Ulcers
Treatment of Venous Insufficiency of the Leg
Treatment for venous insufficiency of the leg can include:
- Compression stockings or support hose to increase blood flow
- Elevation of the legs to reduce swelling
- Exercise to increase circulation
- Antibiotics to treat infection
- Surgery to repair the veins
If left untreated, venous insufficiency of the leg can lead to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis and cellulitis. It's important to seek treatment if you experience any of the symptoms described.
