I’ve had problems with varicose veins for a couple of years. My symptoms have become worse and I was recently diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. Did the varicose veins cause this problem?
Under normal circumstances, the body’s veins keep the blood flowing back towards the heart so it does not collect in one place. In venous insufficiency, the veins have difficulty pushing blood back to the heart from the legs. The problem can be associated with a number of conditions, including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and leg ulcers. In varicose veins, the valves in the large leg veins can be damaged or missing. This causes the veins to remain filled with blood, especially when standing. In DVT, venous insufficiency can be caused by a clot blocking a vein. Chronic venous insufficiency is the name used to describe the condition when it has become prolonged, when the veins become partially blocked or blood leaks around the valves of the veins.
Apart from being two stone overweight since having my last child, I am reasonably healthy.
Risk factors for the condition include a history of deep vein thrombosis in the legs, being overweight, being tall or sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. Age plays a part and the condition is more likely to occur in women and during pregnancy. Genetic factors may also be involved in the development of venous insufficiency. Symptoms may include a dull aching, heaviness or cramping in legs. Itching, tingling and swelling of the legs may also occur. Pain typically gets worse when standing and improves when the legs are raised. In chronic venous insufficiency, the skin of the legs and ankles can redden, thicken in texture and become discoloured. Superficial varicose veins may also be noticed on the surface of the skin, while ulcers may also develop on the legs and ankles.
Is the condition always treated with surgery?
Surgery may be recommended where venous insufficiency is caused by varicose veins. In other cases, the problem may be managed conservatively. This can include the use of compression stockings to decrease chronic swelling, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing and gentle exercise to help the blood in the veins return to the heart. If there is skin breakdown or infection, the wounds will need to be aggressively treated to avoid further complications.
