Varicose veins are often misunderstood as simply a cosmetic issue, but when left untreated, they can progress into a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency.
VEIN DISEASE
Healthy leg veins have valves that keep blood flowing to the heart. Vein disease develops when the valves stop working properly and allow blood to flow backward (i.e., reflux) and pool in the lower leg veins.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Varicose veins
Aching or pain
Swelling
Cramping
Heaviness or tiredness
Itching
Restlessness
Skin changes
Brown, colored skin
Open sores or ulcers
RISK FACTORS
Family history
Lack of exercise
Leg injury or trauma
Prolonged sitting or standing
Obesity or excess weight
Current or previous pregnancies
Smoking
The goal of treatment for vein disease is to reduce or stop the backward flow of blood.
The following may be prescribed to treat your varicose veins. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for you:
Compression stockings
Removing diseased vein
Closing diseased vein (through thermal or nonthermal treatment)
With proper treatment, the progressive symptoms of vein disease are preventable.
Without treatment, signs and symptoms may progress and significantly impact quality of life, and lead to venous leg ulcers.
Healthy leg veins have valves that keep blood flowing to the heart. Venous reflux develops when the valves stop working properly and allow blood to flow backward (i.e., reflux) and pool in the lower leg veins.
VENOUS REFLUX
Venous reflux is a progressive medical condition and if left untreated, may worsen over time and develop into a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency
CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY
If CVI is left untreated, legs can sometimes develop painful sores or wounds on the skin’s surface called ulcers. Normally ulcers appear near the ankles or lower leg and are brought on from the increased build-up of fluid and blood pressure from veins affected by CVI.
For more information, visit Medtronic's website at www.medtronic.com
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