Venous Insufficiency
The medical condition known as Venous Insufficiency refers to veins that aren’t working sufficiently. The condition occurs in the lower legs. When veins are insufficient it means the valves that open and close to move the blood along are damaged. One leg can be more affected than the other.
Veins are designed to move blood back up towards the heart. Arteries send blood to the feet, and veins send it back up. Genetics are one factor in whether veins become incompetent. Some medical conditions we just can’t prevent or run from.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Venous
Insufficiency are pain, swelling, discoloration of the skin of the lower legs, prominent veins know as varicose veins, and sometimes an open sore. Left untreated, this problem can get nasty. Large wounds, infection and even an amputation could result from neglect or bad luck.
Swelling of the lower legs and ankles must be checked for vein health. Although swelling can arise from many conditions, venous insufficiency is one of the most common of them. Non-invasive screening tests are available to assess the health of the veins. Wearing stockings with compression and elevating the legs above the heart can reduce the swelling. Controlling the swelling goes a long way toward decreasing the risks of an open sore, pain and skin discoloration.
Managing risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and smoking are necessary for the health of our circulation.
Even though we can’t change our genetics, we can take a proactive approach to the health of our legs and feet. Don’t shrug swelling off as a salt intake problem, warm weather, or being on them too much. Those typically don’t cause chronic swelling. We have the technology to assess the situation accurately and the experience to address a diagnosis such as this effectively.
Our mission is to help keep our patients moving effortlessly.