Diseases
venous insufficiency
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when your leg veins don't allow blood to flow back up to your heart. Normally, the valves in your veins make sure that blood flows toward your heart. But when these valves don't work well, blood can also flow backwards. This can cause blood to collect (pool) in your legs.
Symptoms
- achy or tired legs.
- burning, tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs.
- cramping in your legs at night.
- discolored skin that looks reddish-brown.
- edema (swelling) in your lower legs and ankles
Causes
- congenital causes are malformations in your leg veins that you’re born with. for example, some people are born without valves in their leg veins.
- primary causes are any changes to your leg veins that prevent them from working as they should
- secondary causes are other medical issues that damage your leg veins. deep vein thrombosis (dvt) is usually the culprit
Risk factors
- overweight
- pregnant
- have a family history of the problem
Diagnosis
- carefully examine your legs.
- perform a vascular ultrasound.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when your leg veins don't allow blood to flow back up to your heart. Normally, the valves in your veins make sure that blood flows toward your heart. But when these valves don't work well, blood can also flow backwards. This can cause blood to collect (pool) in your legs.
What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency?
achy or tired legs., burning, tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in your legs., cramping in your legs at night., discolored skin that looks reddish-brown., edema (swelling) in your lower legs and ankles
What causes venous insufficiency?
congenital causes are malformations in your leg veins that you’re born with. for example, some people are born without valves in their leg veins.; primary causes are any changes to your leg veins that prevent them from working as they should; secondary causes are other medical issues that damage your leg veins. deep vein thrombosis (dvt) is usually the culprit
Which medicines are used for venous insufficiency?
aescin, calcium dobesilate, grape extract
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