Venous insufficiency is a condition that affects your veins and can lead without appropriate intervention, to serious complications. Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins’ natural valves become insufficient, or leaky, allowing blood to flow back towards the feet. Varicose veins have an estimated prevalence between 5% and 30% in the adult population, with a female: male predominance of 3:1, although a more recent study supports a higher male prevalence, according to Circulation AHA Journals.
It’s important for you to know the vein disease treatment options available to you so that you make an informed decision about what will work best for your lifestyle.
Dr. Schmetterer, a vascular surgeon in Youngstown, offers this blog post as a resource on vein diseases and treatment.
Symptoms of Vein Disease
There are several symptoms of venous insufficiency that can indicate you’re suffering from vein disease, such as:
- Severe pain in your legs
- A cramping sensation that doesn’t go away with rest
- Discoloration in the legs or feet
- Veins that look like varicose veins (that are twisted and bulging)
- Veins that are hard or corded
- Veins that are swollen or inflamed
- Restless legs, especially at night
- Swelling of the legs or feet
Common Treatments for Vein Disease
There are several different vein disease treatments that can be used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. These include:
- Sclerotherapy for tiny spider veins
- Radiofrequency Ablation (Closure Fast), Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)
- Varithena: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS)
- Venaseal cyanoacrylate vein closure
Each of these has its benefits but it is very important for you to discuss your condition with a specialist who can give you the pros and cons of each procedure so that they can recommend what will work best for you.
Preventative Measures to Limit the Development of Complications for those with Vein Disease
Prevention is key to avoiding complications of vein disease. Here are some preventative measures that you can do:
- Set up a regular exercise routine and stick to it! Exercise will help improve both your arterial and venous circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots forming in your veins.
- Eat healthy foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, and fish as well as dairy products such as milk or yogurt which all provide nutrients for optimal health.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day – water is ideal!
- Avoid standing still in one place for long periods; this decreases the venous blood flow within your legs due to gravity pulling down on them.
- Elevate your legs on pillows when resting
- Wear prescription compression stockings, especially when exercising or standing for periods of time,
See a Vascular Surgeon
Vein disease can happen to anyone. Vein disease treatment options in Youngstown are available to help improve your symptoms and give you relief from this condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of vein disease, contact Dr. Schmetterer, an expert vascular surgeon with years of experience working with people just like you. He has helped countless patients get back on their feet following successful treatment for vein disease. Book a consultation today!
