Venous insufficiency equals bad valves.
Valves in veins help fight against gravity and direct flow upward in legs. Many factors increase pressure in veins and thus cause veins to dilate. Eventually increased pressure and dilation will damage valves. When valves fail, blood flows the wrong way which is called venous reflux.
How Common is Venous Reflux Disease?
Venous reflux disease is 2 times more prevalent than coronary heart disease and 5 times more prevalent than peripheral arterial disease. Of the estimated 25 million people with symptomatic superficial venous reflux, more than 23 million go untreated.
Prevalence by Age and Gender
| Age | Female | Male |
| 20 – 29 | 8% | 1% |
| 40 – 49 | 41% | 24% |
| 60 – 69 | 72% | 53% |
Symptoms you might notice
- Leg Cramping
- Heavy feeling in legs
- Dry, itchy skin
- Leg, ankle swelling
- Red/purple discoloration, particularly at the inner ankle or shins
- Open sores at inner ankle or other ulcerations
Causes of Venous Insufficiency
- Age
- Heredity
- Multiple pregnancies
- Hormonal
- Overweight
- People who are on their feet for prolonged periods of time
- Heavy lifters
Venous Insufficiency Progression
Superficial venous reflux is progressive and if left untreated may worsen over time. Meet with your physician to review a detailed history of your symptoms. A trial of conservative management such as compression stockings, leg elevation, and exercise may be prescribed. Endovenous ablation is covered by most insurance plans and is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment. The procedure time is approximately 45 minutes with minimal discomfort and sedation. See example:
Pre-Treatment
Post-Treatment
Recovery Following Endovenous Ablation
Mild temporary bruising, minimal local swelling, and some tenderness are normal after treatment. Patient resumes regular activity the next day, must avoid sun exposure (including tanning booths) for 4 weeks, no hot baths for 2 weeks, and no airplane rides for 14 days after treatment.
Endovenous Ablation – Risks & Complications
Contraindications: (Not recommended if patient has one of the following.)
- Patients with thrombus in the vein segment to be treated
- History of DVT
- Pregnancy
- Inability to ambulate
Potential Risks & Complications
- Vessel perforation
- Phlebitis
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Adjacent nerve injury
- Skin burns
- Deep vein thrombosis
For more information see your provider for a referral to see our vein specialist then schedule at 928-668-1803.