- The job of the veins in our legs is to return blood back to the heart, this job is accomplished by a series of one-way “check” valves. If these valves malfunction this results in a condition called Venous Insufficiency. These malfunctioning, or leaky valves, allow increased pressure to build up in our legs potentially leading to swelling or tightness, cramping aching and heaviness, varicose or bulging veins, cramping, burning and stinging, or skin discoloration and ulcer formation.
WHAT YOU
SHOULD KNOW
We are the only practice in Alaska with the ability to provide minimally invasive treatment for certain types of chronic pelvic pain in women related to vein disease.
How Is Venous Insufficiency Diagnosed?
Symptoms of venous insufficiency can vary greatly from person to person. Many times these symptoms develop slowly over time and are often perceived as an unavoidable part of the aging process. Other medical problems such as heart disease, kidney disease and arthritis can have similar symptoms, further complicating the diagnosis. During your FREE consultation, our Care Team Lead Brent Stockwell will take the time to review your symptoms and medical history. He will take the time to evaluate your symptoms and discuss the potential benefits of diagnostic testing and review treatment options.
Why Do People Develop Venous Insufficiency?
There are many reasons people may develop venous insufficiency including:
- Genetics (family history)
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- DVT or blood clots
- Trauma or surgery
- Being overweight
- Genetics (family history)
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- DVT or blood clots
- Trauma or surgery
- Being overweight
Arteries vs Veins
The circulation of our lower extremities is composed of two separate yet connected systems of blood vessels - arteries and veins.
• Arteries – carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. Movement of blood in the arteries is provided by the heart’s pumping function.
• Veins – carry deoxygenated blood from the legs back to the heart. Movement of blood in the veins is accomplished by a “muscle pump.” Every time we squeeze or contract our leg muscles, they compress the veins and push the blood up, just as you would a tube of toothpaste.
• Arteries – carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. Movement of blood in the arteries is provided by the heart’s pumping function.
• Veins – carry deoxygenated blood from the legs back to the heart. Movement of blood in the veins is accomplished by a “muscle pump.” Every time we squeeze or contract our leg muscles, they compress the veins and push the blood up, just as you would a tube of toothpaste.
