Venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is a condition characterized by the inadequate return of blood from the legs to the trunk due to malfunctioning valves in the veins. This disorder can be either acute or chronic and is often associated with various underlying causes such as thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, and leg ulcers. Symptoms may include discomfort, swelling, and visible bulging of veins, which can vary in severity. Thrombophlebitis, for instance, involves inflammation of the veins and can lead to complications like blood clots, while varicose veins are characterized by enlarged, painful veins that struggle to facilitate proper blood flow.
Treatment options for venous insufficiency may include conservative measures such as leg elevation, the use of elastic stockings, and warmth therapy, as well as medications like anticoagulants to improve circulation. In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to remove or occlude affected veins. Addressing leg ulcers typically involves cleaning and dressing wounds alongside possible debridement to promote healing. Understanding the nature, symptoms, and treatment of venous insufficiency is crucial for individuals seeking effective management strategies for this condition.
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Subject Terms
Venous insufficiency
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Blood vessels, circulatory system, legs
DEFINITION: An abnormality characterized by decreased blood return from the legs to the trunk that is caused by inefficient valves in the veins
CAUSES: Conditions that increase amount of circulating blood and decrease venous flow (e.g., thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, leg ulcers)
SYMPTOMS: Vary; may include achiness, swelling, blue or bulging veins
DURATION: Acute or chronic
TREATMENTS: Leg elevation, warm and moist heat, anticoagulants, elastic stockings or bandages, surgery, debridement
Causes and Symptoms
Venous insufficiency can be either reversible (acute) or irreversible (chronic). It is caused by conditions that increase the amount of circulating blood combined with a decrease in venous flow and is most commonly manifested by thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, and leg ulcers. Thrombophlebitis and varicose may be reversible in acute insufficiency.
Thrombophlebitis is an of the vein, commonly occurring in the legs. It may impede blood flow, resulting in pain, tenderness, redness, warmth along the vein, and (swelling). Thrombi (clots) may also form, enlarge, break off, and produce an (dislodged clot), obstructing and causing death. Varicose veins are large, protruding, and painful veins unable to return blood adequately to the as a result of inefficient valves. They may be caused by pregnancy, congenital valve or vessel defects, obesity, pressure from prolonged standing, and poor posture. Leg ulcers are open, draining, painful resulting from an inadequate supply of oxygen and other nutrients. They may also develop on skin surrounding varicose veins because of the stasis (slowing or halting) of the blood flow.
Treatment and Therapy
The treatment for thrombophlebitis includes rest; leg elevation; warm, moist heat to decrease pain and discomfort; and (blood-thinning) therapy to assist with circulation and to impede formation. Elastic stockings or bandages assist the return of blood to the heart. Drugs may be used to dissolve clots and to dilate vessels, improving circulation.
The conservative treatment of varicose veins includes the use of elastic stockings or bandages and rest. Aggressive treatment may include injecting the vein with sclerosing agents to occlude it and stop blood flow, thereby collapsing it. Surgical treatment may include ligating (tying off) the vein and then stripping and removing it.
Leg ulcer treatment includes (the chemical or surgical removal of dirt or dead cellular tissue), cleansing and dressing the wound with ointments, pressure bandages, and the application of medicated castlike (unna) boots. Skin may be attempted if other measures are not effective.
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