You probably don’t think about your veins much. In fact, you might only notice if your doctor must draw some blood. These essential pathways move blood throughout your body, but Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) can hinder that simple yet significant function.
Surprisingly, this vein disease is rather common in the United States. The Society of Vascular Surgery reports that CVI is affecting up to 40% of Americans currently. What is venous insufficiency treatment in New Jersey, and how do you know if it’s time to see a specialist?
Premier Med Group explains everything you need to know below, including when to see their specialist for pain management in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
What Is Venous Insufficiency?
CVI primarily affects the veins in your legs. When these veins are damaged, they can’t manage blood flow as well. The result is blood pooling in your legs since it’s harder for these veins to move it back up to your heart.
Since CVI slows down the blood flow from your leg veins to your heart, you could end up with high pressure and even burst capillaries if you don’t seek treatment. Capillaries are your body’s tiniest blood vessels, and if they burst, you could end up with symptoms like tissue damage, inflammation, and even venous stasis ulcers. Doctors find these ulcers especially concerning because they can lead to infection and, typically, won’t heal on their own.
Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency
Common signs of venous insufficiency include pain in the legs, burning or itching in the legs, swelling, and discolored skin. Premier Med Group offers insight.
1. Severe Pain in Your Legs – One of the most common symptoms to accompany CVI is aching pain in the legs. Damaged veins often lead to inflammation, which can cause an aching pain in your legs after standing or sitting for a while. If you have severe pain or “tired” legs, schedule an appointment with a specialist as soon as possible.
2. Burning or Itching in Your Legs – These symptoms can be the result of poor circulation caused by CVI or varicose veins, which are enlarged veins close to your skin’s surface. Like spider veins, the varicose variety tends to present a cosmetic issue. However, more serious cases can lead to burning or itching sensations and require professional intervention.
3. Swollen Legs – Swelling in your legs is an obvious sign of a problem, though it could have several potential causes. CVI may lead to swelling as the blood pools in your legs, struggling to move up to your heart. In some cases, this can cause fluid to leak into the tissue as well.
4. Discolored Skin Around Your Ankles – When blood pools in your veins, it can increase pressure in the smaller veins and cause discoloration in the skin which may become permanent if you don’t treat it early. Generally, CVI causes discolored ankles. If you want to minimize the damage and address the underlying cause, it’s vital to schedule a consultation with a specialist as soon as possible.
5. New Legs Wounds That Won’t Heal – One of the more troubling symptoms of CVI would be leg wounds that take too long to heal or simply won’t recover. These wounds are often the result of leg ulcers, which are relatively common for people with venous insufficiency. Of the 2.5 million people in the United States with CVI, around 20% will develop leg ulcers, according to the Medical University of South Carolina.
It’s important to note here that leg ulcers can increase the chances of serious infection and other complications. Prompt medical attention could be life-saving with CVI ulcers.
Call Premier Med Group to schedule an appointment for CVI treatment and Pain Management in New Jersey or Pennsylvania
Overall, CVI can be quite a serious issue, so you should never ignore the symptoms, whether that’s unbearable leg pain or noticeable discoloration around your ankles. Reach out to medical specialists like Premier Med Group for a consultation. These compassionate medical providers’ comprehensive approach delivers well-rounded care because helping you find ways to improve your overall health requires taking the time to get to know you!
What is the best treatment for venous insufficiency? If you’re ready to learn more about various treatment options surrounding venous insufficiency, schedule an appointment with Premier Med Group by calling (908) 904-1900. We can help you explore sclerotherapy for eliminating spider veins, laser therapy for CVI, and more.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
FAQs:
What is the most common cause of CVI?
The most common cause of CVI is deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins and damages the valves.
What is the best treatment for Venous Insufficiency?
The best treatment for venous insufficiency depends on your specific situation, but popular treatments include:
- Sclerotherapy
- Endovenous laser therapy
- Phlebectomy
- Vein stripping
- Bypass surgery
Visiting a specialist is the best way to determine which treatment method is right for your CVI.
How do specialists diagnose Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Typically, specialists will diagnose Chronic Venous Insufficiency by using a duplex ultrasound to show the blood flow in your veins. They may also use CT or MRA scans to reveal any blockages in your veins.
What non-surgical treatment options are available for CVI?
The non-surgical treatment options available for CVI will usually include the following:
- Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, exercise, and elevating the legs to improve circulation.
- Compression stockings: These help to reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
- Medications: To manage symptoms such as pain or inflammation.
- Sclerotherapy: A treatment where a solution is injected into varicose veins to close them off.
- Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or Endovenous thermal ablation : these procedures use heat to close off damaged veins.
- Surgical options: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove or bypass affected veins.
What is the difference between lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins?
- Lymphedema is about fluid retention due to lymphatic failure, not related to blood circulation. Swelling is typically non-pitting (i.e., you don’t leave an indentation when pressing on the swollen area).
- CVI is a problem with blood circulation and venous return, leading to pooling of blood in the veins and resulting in swelling, skin changes, and varicose veins.
- Varicose veins are surface-level signs of venous insufficiency, and not all cases of varicose veins lead to CVI or swelling. They’re primarily a cosmetic and circulation issue.
- In essence, lymphatic problems cause lymphedema (fluid buildup), while venous problems cause CVI and varicose veins (blood circulation issues).
Can CVI be prevented?
While CVI may not always be fully preventable, the risk can be reduced by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Regular exercise, particularly activities like walking, promotes circulation.
- Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
- Elevating your legs periodically to improve blood flow.
- Wearing compression stockings if you’re at risk or have early symptoms.
Is CVI a serious condition?
While CVI is generally manageable, if left untreated, it can lead to complications such as:
- Chronic ulcers which are difficult to heal.
- Skin infections due to poor circulation.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots.
- In severe cases, the condition can affect mobility and quality of life.
Can CVI cause varicose veins?
Yes, varicose veins are one of the most common symptoms of CVI. They occur when the veins become enlarged and twisted due to poor blood flow, which is characteristic of CVI.
How long does CVI last?
CVI is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts long-term and typically worsens over time if not managed. However, with proper treatment, symptoms can be controlled, and further progression can be slowed or minimized.
When should I see a doctor about CVI?
You should consult a doctor if you notice symptoms such as persistent leg swelling, varicose veins, aching or tired legs, skin discoloration, or the development of sores or ulcers. Early intervention can help prevent complications.
