Venous reflux, which is otherwise known as venous insufficiency, is a common medical condition that affects as many as 25 million people in the United States. It impacts the venous circulation in the lower extremities. As a result, blood ends up pooling in the leg veins, causing uncomfortable symptoms and unsightly varicose veins. At Advanced Vein Therapy, we can help eliminate these bulging blue, red, or purple lines, which often prevent sufferers from wearing shorts, bathing suits, dresses, and similar types of apparel. By getting the proper treatment, you can alleviate your cosmetic concerns while improving your overall health and well being.
Symptoms of Superficial Venous Reflux
Venous reflux results from a weakening of the valves that keeps blood circulating from the legs to the heart. When these valves do not close properly, it allows the blood to flow backward or ‘reflux’ in the direction opposite of where it is intended to go. Venous reflux can impact deep veins in the legs, but it more commonly affects superficial veins, which have less muscle support.
Undue pressure due to factors such as being overweight, standing on your feet for long periods, or going through pregnancy can damage the valves of superficial veins, causing the blood to pool. For some people, the only symptom of superficial venous reflux is the appearance of spider veins or varicose veins. Others may experience uncomfortable symptoms that include:
- A feeling of heaviness or fatigue
- Swelling around the site of the affected vein
- Skin changes, such as itching, rashes, or eczema in the affected area
- Frequent throbbing and achiness through the legs
- The appearance of ulcers and open sores due to tissue damage
The Impact Venous Insufficiency Can Have on Your Life
Patients often seek treatment for varicose veins caused by venous insufficiency due to cosmetic reasons. While affected veins are unsightly, venous reflux can also have significant impacts on your overall quality of life. Among the different problems people with this condition often face include:
- Sleep disturbances, due to pain and discomfort in the legs
- Trouble standing on the job or even sitting for long periods
- Decreased ability to engage in your normal activities and hobbies, such as walking, hiking, swimming, or riding a bike
- Lack of confidence and low self-esteem caused by the appearance of varicose veins or due to mobility issues
The above are some of the common issues that can arise when venous reflux affects the superficial veins. When the condition impacts deeper veins throughout the legs or other body parts, it can put you at risk for blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening condition.
Treatment Options for Venous Reflux at ATV
Superficial venous reflux can be easily diagnosed. During your consultation with AVT, we will obtain a full health history, perform a thorough exam, and discuss any symptoms or past treatments you have had. An ultrasound can help us determine the extent of venous insufficiency, the location of affected areas, and the type of treatment you will likely require. Options include:
- Venaseal: One of the latest and most effective treatments for venous reflux; this involves using medical glue to close and seal the affected vein.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Another common and highly effective method of treatment, this minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency to treat venous reflux.
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): Another common and effective treatments for varicose veins. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses light therapy to close and seal the affected vein.
- Phlebectomy: Performed in our Boise office, this involves using small incisions to target veins right beneath the skin.
- Sclerotherapy: This involves injecting a fluid into the affected vein, which seals it. Once the blood is rerouted through a healthier vein, the varicose vein disappears over time.
Among the many benefits of treatment at AVT is that the above procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. For treatments but Venaseal, you will need to wear compression stockings for several days after treatment, but most procedures allow you to return to your usual activities immediately.
Contact Advanced Vein Therapy to Request a Consultation Today
At Advanced Vein Therapy, we help eliminate the physical and emotional impacts that are associated with superficial venous reflux. To get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options, call or contact our Boise office and request a consultation today.