Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment in NYC
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency is an ongoing condition in which the valves in your leg veins are weakened, defective, or damaged, causing blood to back up and pool in your veins – this is referred to as stasis. Chronic venous insufficiency also prevents your blood from effectively reaching your heart.
What causes chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by weakened or damaged valves in your veins. The job of your veins is to carry blood throughout your body, and the valves in your veins are what allow your blood to pass through your veins to get to where it’s needed. When the valves in your veins malfunction, blood that should be flowing up to your heart may flow back down into your legs, depriving your heart of blood. Factors that may increase your risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency include:
- Being overweight
- Being over the age of 50
- Being pregnant or having multiple pregnancies
- Coming from a family with a history of chronic venous insufficiency
- Having a history of blood clots
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), standing for extended periods of time, or sitting for extended periods of time may also cause your valves to become weak or damaged.
What are the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency?
Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency primarily affect your legs. Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency may include:
- Swollen legs or ankles
- Heaviness in your legs or ankles
- Aching or throbbing in your legs
- Itchy or weak legs
- Varicose veins
- Skin changes color or texture
- Leg ulcers
How is chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed?
To help diagnose chronic venous insufficiency, your doctor will begin by asking you about your medical history. Additionally, your doctor may use a venogram or a vascular ultrasound to assess your veins and to help identify other potential causes of the swelling in your legs.
Can chronic venous insufficiency lead to complications if left untreated?
If left untreated, capillaries in your legs may rupture, causing patches of thin red lines to appear under the skin. This can manifest into swelling or ulcers. Ulcers may be difficult to heal and have a high risk of becoming infected. Speaking with your doctor if you display any signs of chronic venous insufficiency, can help you receive treatment early on and potentially prevent the onset of ulcers.
How is chronic venous insufficiency treated?
Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency has two goals. The first is to prevent the onset of ulcers, and the second is to help alleviate and stop swelling. Treatment will vary from patient to patient and can range from lifestyle or behavioral changes to surgical treatment options. To help treat chronic venous insufficiency, your doctor may suggest any of the following:
- Ensuring that you do not sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Engaging in physical activities and exercise
- Compression stockings
- Certain medications or antibiotics
- Endovenous thermal ablation
- Vein repair
- Vein transplant
- Vein bypass
Speak with your doctor to learn more about the available treatment options for chronic venous insufficiency.
Our heart and vein doctors at Heart Vein NYC have over 20 years of experience providing the New York City area with comprehensive,