The veins in your body serve a critical role in your overall health and function. When they are not able to fulfill their purpose, you may suffer from a host of illnesses that can impact your ability to live normally and without devastating pain. We may use a variety of means to treat diseases of the veins today. Find out what venous insufficiency is and how we can use tools like vein compression to ease or remedy it in patients.
What is Venous Insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency is a condition that involves the inability of the veins to carry blood to your heart. When the blood fails to reach the heart, it pools in the veins and puts you at risk of heart failure, stroke, heart attack, and other potentially fatal illnesses.
During venous treatment, we aim to also address any underlying causes of venous insufficiency like:
• Blood clots
• Varicose veins
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Cancer
• Trauma like fractures
• Inactivity
Pregnant women are also at risk of developing venous insufficiency. Women who are pregnant are encouraged to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time and to keep their legs elevated while they are resting or asleep. These women may also benefit from vein compression.
Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency presents itself through a host of symptoms that warrant medical attention. Some of the most common symptoms of this illness include:
• Swelling in the ankles and legs
• Pain that gets worse when you stand
• Leg cramps
• Aching and throbbing
• Feeling of heaviness
• Itchy legs
• Weakness
• Thickening of the skin around the ankles and legs
• Skin that changes color
• Leg ulcers
• Varicose veins
• Tightening in the calves
These symptoms indicate that an insufficient amount of blood is traveling through the veins and that not enough blood is reaching your heart. We may recommend vein compression before you are prescribed medications or after you undergo a procedure. It all depends on the unique situation.
What is Vein Compression?
Vein compression is an approach to treating venous insufficiency. It may be used as a first line of treatment. However, it can also be used along with other treatments to promote healing and blood flow.
The amount of time that you must wear the compression stockings depends on how well you respond to the treatment. You might be able to shorten that time by exercising each day, eating a balanced diet, avoiding habits like smoking and excess use of alcohol, and keeping your legs elevated when you are resting or sleeping.
Venous insufficiency puts your health at risk for deadly illnesses like heart disease. You may overcome this condition with the help of vein compression and other measures that are available at Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Fort Myers!
