Venous Insufficiency Specialist

What is venous insufficiency?

The veins throughout your body are responsible for carrying blood back to your heart. If they become damaged or diseased, it’s harder for them to pump blood, resulting in venous insufficiency. 

Over time, venous insufficiency causes blood to pool in your veins, increasing the risk of more serious issues like blood clots, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis.  

What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency?

Symptoms of venous insufficiency include:

• Swollen legs or ankles
• Leg cramps
• Itchy legs
• Weak legs
• Thickening of your skin
• Varicose veins
• Leg ulcers

As the condition progresses and gets worse, you might also experience a feeling of tightness in your calves. 

How is venous insufficiency diagnosed?

To diagnose venous insufficiency, your Heart Care Centers of Florida provider reviews your medical history and conducts a physical exam. If they suspect your symptoms are the result of poor circulation, they might order additional tests, including:

Venogram

During a venogram, your provider injects intravenous (IV) dye into your veins. Then, they take a series of X-rays. The dye helps your provider assess your circulation and determine if there are any blockages of blood clots.

Ultrasound testing

Ultrasound testing uses high-frequency sound waves to assess your circulation. During an ultrasound, your provider runs a handheld device called a transducer over your skin. 

The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off your blood vessels, allowing your provider to observe their health and function.

How is venous insufficiency treated?

Treatment of venous insufficiency depends on several factors, including your age, specific symptoms, and the severity of the condition. Usually, Heart Care Centers of Florida recommends conservative treatments like wearing compression stockings, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.

You might also benefit from prescription drugs like diuretics or anticoagulants. If your symptoms persist even after making healthy lifestyle changes, your provider might recommend an outpatient vein treatment like sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy, or radiofrequency ablation.

Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to improve your heart health, circulation, and quality of life.

To learn more about the treatment options for venous insufficiency, make an appointment at Heart Care Centers of Florida by calling the nearest office or clicking the online scheduling feature today.