Venous reflux occurs as a result of venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency takes place when the one-direction valves within the veins become weakened or damaged and fail to pump the blood properly back to the heart. As a result, the blood will flow backward (reflux) in the vein, causing blood to pool, which in turn causes the veins to become enlarged and, often, extremely painful.
Signs and symptoms pointing to venous reflux
There are many symptoms associated with venous reflux, and they will vary based on the severity of your condition. These include:
- Prominent varicose veins (ropy, bulging veins)
- Swelling (edema)
- Skin ulcers (often near the ankle)
- Skin discoloration
- Cramping, itching or pain
- Aching, burning or throbbing sensations
- Leg weakness
- Heavy feelings in the legs
- White atrophy
- Dermatoliposclerosis (skin and connective tissue disease)
- Dermatitis
Treatment options available for venous reflux
Compression therapy
Compression stockings help to guard against the further progression of venous diseases, and aids in temporary pain relief. Your doctor will fit you with the right size for you.
Endovenous laser ablation
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) eliminates diseased veins by denaturing the proteins in the vein wall using light energy to by heat the wall from within the vein itself. The treated vein will eventually shut down, close and be naturally absorbed by the body.
Radiofrequency ablation
Similar to EVLA, radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat diseased with little to no downtime and no scarring. The procedure uses radiofrequency energy from within to close the vein.
Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of segments of the diseased vein through tiny incisions.
Sclerotherapy
Used mainly to treat spider veins, sclerotherapy involves injecting a “sclerosing agent” directly into the diseased vein to shut it down.
Vein Gogh treatment
The Vein Gogh treatment involves using a fine, insulated needle to administer high-frequency electrical energy to selectively target spider veins on the face, ankles and knees.
For more information on venous reflux and treating vein disease, contact the specialists at Total Vein Care today at (225) 245-3540.
