The heart pumps blood throughout the body. The blood flows to our limbs via arteries, and the veins ensure that it returns to the heart. But when the veins have trouble in sending the blood back to the heart, that’s what we call venous insufficiency.
Causes of Venous Insufficiency
There are numerous reasons why you might suffer from this disease. Here are the main causes of venous insufficiency:
Blood Clots
Blood clots are clumps of solidified blood that cause blockage in the blood flow. When there’s a blood clot present within your veins, the blood flow either stops or is slowed down. Because of this, blood starts to build up below the clot, which eventually causes venous insufficiency.
Varicose Veins
If your veins become overfilled with blood, they cause varicose veins or varicoses. The enlarged veins have a purplish-blue color to them, and they are one of the main causes of venous insufficiency.
In varicose veins, the valves are either missing or damaged. The valves are responsible for stopping the blood from flowing back. But when they are damaged or missing, they cause the blood to flow back, leading to these symptoms.
Risk Factors
Besides blood clots and varicose veins, multiple risk factors can cause venous insufficiency. One of the biggest risk factors that cause venous insufficiency includes weakness in leg muscles. When leg muscles lack strength, they tend to push the blood forward, leading to venous insufficiency.
Obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and cancer are also common causes of venous insufficiency.
Common Symptoms
There are numerous symptoms of venous insufficiency. The number one is swollen ankles and legs. This condition is also referred to as edema.
Varicose veins, as already discussed, are a major symptom. Besides that, the thickening of the skin around the ankles and legs is also a sign. Plus, you might feel a tight sensation in your calves.
Changing skin color, especially around the ankles, is another symptom of venous insufficiency.
Treatment
There are different treatment plans for venous insufficiency based on your age, medical history, and severity of the condition.
Using exercises for improving blood flow is an effective way of treating venous insufficiency, but in severe cases, you might be put on medication or may have to go under surgery.
Final Verdict
While there are various causes of venous insufficiency, blood clots and varicose veins are the two major culprits. If you feel any of the symptoms we discussed, it’s better to seek medical help.
Get yourself examined and if diagnosed, start working on the treatment plan provided by your doctor. You must go to a reputable clinic specializing in treating venous insufficiency and varicose veins, such as Milner Vein and Vascular, to avoid recurring problems in the future.