Chronic Venous Disease

What is Chronic Venous Disease?

Chronic venous disease (also called chronic venous insufficiency) occurs when the walls or valves of leg veins are not working effectively, causing blood to pool in the legs. As many as 40% of people in the U.S. have chronic venous disease. The condition is common in individuals over 50 and more prevalent in women than in men.

Causes Of Chronic Venous Disease

Valves in the veins help prevent blood from flowing backwards while traveling up toward the heart. Increased blood pressure can cause the veins to expand, leading to damage or loss of valve function. Valve damage or increased venous pressure can also be caused by:

• Aging and natural wear on vein valves
• Reduced mobility or prolonged sitting/standing
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
• Leg injury or trauma

Risks

Certain risk factors may make you more likely to develop chronic venous disease:

• Age

• Family history

• Smoking

• Varicose veins

• Obesity

• Pregnancy

• Sedentary lifestyle

Signs & Symptoms Of Chronic Venous Disease

Signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease that you or your doctor may notice include:

• Swelling or tightness in the lower legs and ankles, especially after long periods of standing
• Leg aching or tiredness
• Leg cramps or muscle spasms
• Skin changes on the legs or feet, such as darkened color, flaking, itching, or leathery-looking skin
• Leg ulcers or skin wounds
• New varicose veins (spider veins)
• Cellulitis (skin infection)

Diagnosis Of Chronic Venous Disease

To diagnose chronic venous disease, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical exam, and may use a vascular or duplex ultrasound. Early diagnosis through routine screenings for those at risk is key for long-term success.

Complications Of Chronic Venous Disease

The symptoms, complications, and treatments for chronic venous disease become more challenging as the condition progresses. Left untreated, venous pressure and swelling increase to the point that capillaries burst, causing skin discoloration, sensitivity, and inflammation. In serious cases, this can lead to ulcers, infection (cellulitis), and internal tissue damage.

Treatment of Chronic Venous Disease

Vascular & Interventional Specialists offers minimally invasive, outpatient procedures to treat chronic venous disease:

• Sclerotherapy — A medicine or chemical solution is injected into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and disappear
• Radiofrequency ablation — A catheter emitting high-frequency radio waves is inserted into the affected veins, closing the veins and improving blood flow
• VenaSeal closure — A medical adhesive is used to seal the affected vein, rerouting blood to healthy veins
• Compression therapy — Graduated compression stockings apply pressure to improve circulation and reduce swelling

Prevention Of Chronic Venous Disease

While chronic venous disease cannot always be prevented, the following steps can reduce your risk:

• Get plenty of exercise, especially walking
• Stop smoking
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
• Elevate your legs while sitting or lying down
• Wear compression stockings
• Practice good skin hygiene

Take the First Step

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, we are committed to providing innovative, minimally invasive treatments to help you live your best life.

Contact us today or call (605) 217-5617 to schedule your consultation.

If you experience emergency symptoms, call 911 immediately.