Not everyone is clued up when it comes to vein diseases or vein conditions, so in this blog, we will look at everything you need to know about venous disease and how to diagnose it.
Our experienced medical team at Artemis Vein & Aesthetic Centre, led by board-certified physician Dr. David Pinsinski, has performed numerous vein treatments in Westminster, Co.
We are dedicated to helping our patients ease pain, improve circulation, and reduce the visibility of their veins with cutting-edge vein treatments.
Your arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Your veins carry blood back to the heart, and valves in the veins stop the blood from flowing backward.
When your veins have trouble sending blood from your limbs back to the heart, it’s known as venous insufficiency. In this condition, blood doesn’t flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins in your legs.
Several factors can cause venous insufficiency, though it’s most commonly caused by blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) and varicose veins. Even if you have a family history of venous insufficiency, there are simple steps you can take to lower your chances of developing the condition.
Symptoms of venous insufficiency include:
Venous insufficiency is most often caused by either blood clots or varicose veins. In healthy veins, there is a continuous flow of blood from the limbs back toward the heart. Valves within the veins of the legs help prevent the backflow of blood.
The most common causes of venous insufficiency are previous cases of blood clots and varicose veins. When forward flow through the veins is obstructed – such as in the case of a blood clot – blood builds up below the clot, which can lead to venous insufficiency.
In varicose veins, the valves are often missing or impaired, and blood leaks back through the damaged valves. In some cases, weakness in the leg muscles that squeeze blood forward can also contribute to venous insufficiency.
Venous insufficiency is more common in women than in men. It’s also more likely to occur in adults over the age of 50.
Other risk factors include:
Dr. Pinsinski will want to do a physical examination and take a complete medical history to figure out if you have venous insufficiency. He may also order some imaging tests to pinpoint the problem. These tests may include a venogram or a duplex ultrasound.
During a venogram, the doctor will put an intravenous (IV) contrast dye into your veins. Contrast dye causes the blood vessels to appear opaque on the X-ray image, which helps the doctor to see them on the image. This dye will provide Dr. Pinsinski with a clearer X-ray picture of your blood vessels.
A type of test called a duplex ultrasound may be used to test the speed and direction of blood flow in the veins. A technician will place some gel on the skin and then press a small hand-held device (transducer) against this area. The transducer uses sound waves that bounce back to a computer to produce images of blood flow.
Treatment will depend on many factors, including the reason for the condition and your health status and history. Other factors Dr. Pinsinski will consider are:
The most common treatment for venous insufficiency is prescription compression stockings These special elastic stockings apply pressure at the ankle and lower leg. They help improve blood flow and can reduce leg swelling.
Compression stockings come in a range of prescription strengths and different lengths. Your doctor will help you decide what the best type of compression stocking is for your treatment.
Treatment for venous insufficiency can include several different strategies:
If you have a family history of venous insufficiency, you can take steps to lessen your chances of developing the condition:
If you think you might have venous insufficiency, we might just have the right treatment for you with Dr. Pinsinski in Westminster. To see what can be done about your condition, book an appointment with Dr. Pinsinski.
He’ll discuss your options with you, using his years of experience and expertise. Contact us today for an appointment.
Dr. David L. Pinsinski is the esteemed founder of Artemis Vein & Aesthetic Center, an expert in the field of vein care, and a distinguished board-certified physician in Internal Medicine. With a dedicated career focused on promoting health and well-being, Dr. Pinsinski has become a trusted name in the vein care community serving Westminster, Co area. His commitment to excellence and compassionate patient care is at the core of his practice. Dr. Pinsinski’s work at Artemis Vein & Aesthetic Center is a testament to his unwavering dedication to providing the highest standard of vein care, making positive impact on patients’ lives so that they can enjoy Colorado’s beautiful nature and outdoor lifestyle.
