Chronic venous disease refers to the conditions of the diseased or abnormal veins. If you have chronic venous disease, you aren’t alone. Millions of Americans suffer from this persistent, progressive, and frequently underestimated condition. Let’s talk about this chronic condition and where you can go in Boca Raton, FL, for effective management of this condition.
Usually, the blood our veins carry from various body parts to the heart is directed by the opening and closing of tiny valves. These valves also direct the blood flow from the legs’ surface to deeper veins. When these tiny valves inside our veins fail to work properly, the normal blood flow gets blocked, and blood flows back into the legs and starts pooling. This condition ranges in severity from mild to severe.
Sometimes, in more severe cases, the venous disease is named chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), while the other times, it is manifested as varicose veins, spider veins, phlebitis, leg ulcers, etc.
It’s important to note that varicose veins are the most common manifestation of chronic venous disease.
What Causes It?
Many conditions that increase the pressure inside the veins dilate the veins, damage the valves, and lead to even higher pressure, thereby worsening vein function and causing chronic venous disease.
Some of the common conditions/reasons include:
- Excess weight (especially in pregnant females and obese patients)
- Blood clots in the vein can permanently damage the valves
- Leg injury or surgery, which blocks the blood flow
- Sitting or standing for too long
What Are Its Symptoms?
Chronic venous disease can have symptoms of varying severity. Most people diagnosed with chronic venous disease experience:
- Dilated veins
- Swelling and edema in legs and ankles
- Leg heaviness
- Itching
- Numbness in legs
- Skin irritation and rash
- Skin discoloration (in severe cases)
- Venous ulcers or open sores (in severe cases)
How Chronic Venous Disease Diagnosed?
Doctors can diagnose a venous disease by performing a physical examination and assessing its symptoms. They may also order additional tests like venous ultrasound to look at the valve function and to identify where a problem in the valves is located.
Management of Chronic Venous Disease
Treatment aims to reduce painful and discomforting symptoms and improve blood flow. Commonly chronic venous disease is managed by:
Compression Stockings. These are part of the conservative approach to treating venous problems. Compression stocking gently compresses your legs and improves the blood flow in veins.
Radiofrequency Ablation. This minimally invasive method is used for the most common chronic venous condition, i.e., varicose veins. This method involves the use of radiofrequency waves that heat and shut down the affected vein and force the blood to reroute to healthy veins.
Sclerotherapy. This treatment method involves the injection of a special chemical solution into the affected veins, which causes the vein to collapse and disappear over time. Sclerotherapy is a simple and inexpensive procedure performed for both cosmetic and medical purposes, i.e., preventing complications like venous ulceration and hemorrhage.
Endovenous Laser Treatment. In endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), laser heat is used. Heat destroys the target vein and causes it to narrow, close, and disappear over time. EVLT is a safe procedure.
Iliac Vein Stenting. This procedure is performed in patients with May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS), who have an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. During the procedure, a stent is placed in the target vein that keeps it open and reduces the risk of blood clot formation.
Chronic Venous Disease Treatment Near Me in Boca Raton, FL
If you suspect chronic venous disease and seek a lasting solution, trust our vein doctors at Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute with your vein health. Our provider has years of experience in providing patient-centered and comprehensive care to patients with venous diseases. They offer treatment most suitable for your vein problem and prevent complications.
To make an appointment with our vein specialist or to get an answer to your questions, call us today at (561) 235-5621 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
