Venous Insufficiency
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Venous insufficiency
is a condition that prevents blood from flowing out of your legs and back to your heart. Veins contain valves that help blood flow in one direction. Venous insufficiency means the valves do not close correctly or fully. Blood flows back and pools in your leg. This can cause problems such as varicose veins. Venous insufficiency may also be called chronic venous insufficiency or venous stasis.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Visible veins on your legs that may be small and red or large, thick, and blue
- Swelling in your ankles or calves
- Changes in skin color, such as dark or purple skin
- An ulcer (open sore) on your leg
- Leg pain that is worse when you are menstruating (women) or when you stand, and better when you elevate your legs
- Burning or itching
- Cramps that happen at night
- Thick, hard skin on your legs and ankles
- Feeling of heaviness in your legs
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a wound that does not heal or is infected.
- You have an injury that has broken your skin and caused your varicose veins to bleed.
- Your leg is swollen and hard.
- You have pain in your leg that does not go away or gets worse.
- Your legs or feet are turning blue or black.
- Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have varicose veins and they are painful.
- You have new or worsening leg pain, swelling, or redness.
- You have new or worsening ulcers or other sores on your leg.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may include any of the following:
- Medicine may be given to improve blood flow. The medicines may thin your blood or reduce swelling to help blood flow. You may also need medicine to treat a bacterial infection.
- Ablation is a procedure used to close varicose veins. A catheter is guided until it is near the vein. A device will then be guided to the area. The device may produce energy through radiofrequency or a laser. The energy creates heat that will close the blood vessel.
- Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to fade visible veins. Your healthcare provider will inject a liquid into a spider vein or varicose vein. The liquid causes irritation in the vein. The vein swells and sticks together. Your body will then absorb the vein.
- Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work. Surgery may be used to repair a leg vein valve or to clip or tie off a vein so blood cannot flow through it. You may need to have a veins removed during surgery called stripping. Surgery may be used to bypass (go around) the damaged vein. Blood will flow through a vein transplanted from another part of your body.
Manage your symptoms:
- Wear pressure stockings as directed. Pressure stockings help keep blood from pooling in your leg veins. Your healthcare provider can prescribe stockings that are right for you. Do not buy over-the-counter pressure stockings unless your healthcare provider says it is okay. They may not fit correctly or may have elastic that cuts off your circulation. Ask your healthcare provider when to start wearing pressure stockings and how long to wear them each day.
- Do not sit or stand for long periods of time. If you have to sit for a long time, flex and extend your legs, feet, and ankles. Do this about 10 times every 30 minutes to help keep blood flowing. If you have to stand for a long time, take breaks and sit with your legs elevated.
- Elevate your legs. Elevate your legs above the level of your heart to reduce swelling. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you keep your legs elevated for 30 minutes at a time. You may need to do this 3 to 4 times per day, or more if your healthcare provider recommends.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause blood vessel damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Reach or maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can make venous insufficiency worse. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. He or she can help you create a weight loss plan if you need to lose weight.
- Exercise as directed. Walking can help increase blood flow in your calves. Ask your healthcare provider how much exercise you need each day and which exercises are best for you.
- Care for your skin. Keep your skin clean. Do not use any soaps or lotions that may dry your skin. For example, do not use products that contain fragrance or alcohol. If you have a skin ulcer, your healthcare provider may recommend a wet-to-dry bandage. To do this, apply a wet bandage to your wound and allow it to dry. This will help remove drainage from your wound each time you change the bandage. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to change your bandage and which kind of bandage to use. Check your wound for signs of infection, such as swelling or pus.
- Go to physical therapy (PT) as directed. A physical therapist can help you increase movement and range of motion in your legs.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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