If you are suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, also known as vein disease, it’s possible that you are experiencing several different symptoms, including pain. Let’s take a look at the basics of vein disease and some of the best ways to deal with pain.
What is Venous Insufficiency or Venous Reflux?
Vein disease generally occurs in the legs. When the valves in the veins fail, it can prevent the blood from flowing properly and may cause the blood to pool or flow backwards. This will then cause varicose or spider veins, the first symptoms of vein disease. You may experience twisted, swollen, or discolored veins. Other symptoms of venous insufficiency include itchiness, pain, fatigue, heaviness, or achiness. You can also experience overall swelling of the legs and ankles.
Conservative Venous Insufficiency Treatment for Vein Disease
The main treatment is compression stockings. An oral medication (by prescription) called Vasculera has also been found to help with symptoms of vein disease. Other ways to treat the symptoms of vein disease like venous insufficiency include:
• Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting. Take breaks to walk around and flex your legs and feet to keep the blood flowing.
• Exercise regularly to promote healthy circulation.
• If you are overweight, lose weight to relieve pressure on the veins.
• Elevate your legs while sitting and lying down.
• Take antibiotics as needed to treat skin infections.
• Practice good skin hygiene.
Medical Treatments
Should you be experiencing advanced vein disease, conservative treatment remedies may not fully alleviate symptoms. In these cases, medical treatments may be necessary, including:
• Ablation — This treatment uses heat to close the affected veins.
• Sclerotherapy — This procedure uses a special chemical solution to collapse the veins.
• Laser Therapy — Laser energy is applied to destroy and eliminate the vein. This treatment is effective for certain types of veins.
Early Diagnosis
In order to prevent vein disease from advancing to critical stages, early diagnosis is very important. Says Dr. Thomas Wright of St. Louis Laser Vein Center, “At our Center, we know that getting the proper diagnosis early can help alleviate the often painful symptoms of vein disease.”
If you need more information about vein disease, or about venous insufficiency treatment, we urge you to give us a call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wright. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced and want to ensure that your veins and you remain healthy!
