Venous Insufficiency occurs when the leg veins do not allow blood to travel back to the heart from the lower extremities. (Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood to the heart). Problems with valves in the veins can cause the blood to flow in both directions, not just toward the heart. Valves that are not working properly can cause blood in the legs to pool and if left untreated, pain, swelling, and leg ulcers may result.
Venous Insufficiency is more common among people who are obese, pregnant, or who have a family history of the problem. Individuals who have had trauma to the leg through injury, surgery, or previous blood clots are also more likely to develop the condition.
Causes
- High blood pressure in the leg veins over a long period of time
- Sitting or standing for prolonged periods
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Phlebitis (swelling and inflammation of a superficial vein, usually in the legs)
Symptoms
- Swelling in legs and/or ankles
- Tight feeling calves or itchy painful legs
- Pain during walking that stops with rest
- Brown-colored skin, particularly near the ankles
- Varicose veins
- Leg ulcers that are sometimes very resistant to treatment
Diagnosis
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for Venous Insufficiency may include:
- Duplex Ultrasound: A type of vascular ultrasound procedure to assess blood flow and the structure of leg veins. The term “duplex” refers to the fact that two modes of ultrasound are used — Doppler and B-mode. The B-mode transducer (like a microphone) obtains an image of the vessel being studied. The Doppler probe within the transducer evaluates the velocity and direction of blood flow in the vessel.
- Venogram: Uses X-rays and intravenous (IV) contrast dye to visualize the veins. Contrast dye causes blood vessels to appear opaque on the X-ray image, allowing Dr. William H. Johnson, MD to visualize the blood vessels being evaluated.
Treatment
A specific treatment plan will be created based on a variety of health related criteria including:
- Age
- Overall health/medical history
- Extent of the disease
- Tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Signs and symptoms
- Expected disease progression
- Patient’s personal opinion or preference
Venous Insufficiency treatment may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medication, or surgical procedures.
- Elevate the legs to reduce pressure in leg veins
- Keep legs uncrossed when sitting
- Regular exercise
- Compression stockings to help blood flow
- Medication
- Sclerotherapy
- Ligation
- Surgical repair
- Vein transplant
The Vein Center at Johns Creek
At the Vein Center at Johns Creek, Dr. William H. Johnson, MD and his staff are devoted to offering the best quality vein treatment in a tranquil, relaxed, comfortable and professional setting. As well, the Vein Center at Johns Creek provides various options to fit your needs such as Sclerotherapy, and Ambulatory Phlebectomy.
If you have any questions or concerns about leg vein problems like Varicose Veins or Spider Veins, feel free to make an appointment or contact the staff. For easy availability, Dr. William H. Johnson is located in Suwanee, GA. He also serves the surrounding areas like Duluth, Lilburn, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Doraville, Roswell, Sugar Hill, Buford, and Duluth.
Disclaimer
All information within this web page is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. Be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Johnson or a specialist if you have any concerns.