Varicose Veins and More: Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is used to describe any condition where the veins in your legs are unable to adequately send blood back to the heart. This can lead to blood pooling in the legs which, in turn, can cause even more medical problems, including varicose veins, swelling in the legs and ankles, and pain when moving.

The most common triggers of venous insufficiency are blood clots or varicose veins. Blood clots can prevent proper blood flow and cause backups, while varicose veins often have missing or damaged valves that control blood flow back toward the heart. Other issues, such as weakened muscles in the legs due to injury or inactivity, can inhibit blood flow and cause venous insufficiency.

Since there are a wide range of issues that can lead to venous insufficiency, it is important to understand all of the symptoms. They include:

• Swelling in the lower leg and ankle regions
• Persistent cramping, itchiness, or weakness in the legs
• Aching, throbbing pain, or a sense of heaviness in your legs. Often, the pain worsens when standing and is alleviated by raising your legs while lying down.
• Changes to the skin on your legs and ankles, including thickening skin or changing colors
• Leg ulcers
• Varicose veins

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is best to consult a physician for proper diagnosis. There are several treatment options for venous insufficiency, and recommended treatment will depend on your age, medical history, and the severity of your condition. Treatment can include prescription compression socks and other medications; more severe cases may be treated with surgery.

As with many diseases, treatment and management of venous insufficiency symptoms is easier with an early diagnosis. Left undiagnosed, symptoms and pain will worsen over time and be more of a challenge to treat. For expert, professional diagnosis of any symptoms you are experiencing, please reach out to us today.