They are conditions caused by functional disorders in the human body that usually occur due to varicose veins or blood clots. In healthy veins, there is a constant blood flow from the arms and legs to the heart. However, if venous insufficiency occurs, this functional functioning is disrupted and the return of dirty blood from the veins to the heart is impaired. Some conditions occur due to the valves in the veins.
This venous disease, which is commonly observed in developed countries, is seen mostly in adult women.
What is Venous Insufficiency and What Are the Reasons for It Occurring?
The valves in the veins act as a barrier that prevents the backflow of blood in normal body functioning. As a result of the deterioration or blockage of these valves, the flow of blood back to the heart is impaired, and the resulting condition is called venous insufficiency. The situation where the veins become prominent in this direction is called varicose veins.
The main function of the vein in our body is to carry the dirty blood in the body to the heart. From there, it is sent to the lungs for cleaning. Venous insufficiency causes the blood in the veins to flow in the opposite direction rather than towards the heart. Venous insufficiency generally occurs as a result of valve problems and blockages in the veins. Since the valves in varicose veins cannot perform their functions, blood escapes through the damaged vein valves and cannot go towards the heart. The most common causes of venous insufficiency are as follows:
-Presence of varicose veins
-Very tall physical structure
-Side effects of birth control pill use
-Congenital vein insufficiency
-Deterioration of the inner wall of the veins as a result of superficial or deep vein occlusions
-Weakness of the muscle structure
-Presence of genetic venous insufficiency
-Smoking
-Aging (especially people over the age of 50 constitute the risk group)
-Pregnancy
-Presence of blood clot in the veins
-Situations in which blood clots in the vein, also known as deep vein thrombosis (and the most common The place where it comes out is the veins deep in the legs)
-In cases of sedentary life, long-term inactivity or standing, there is an increase in blood pressure in the legs and this situation brings about venous insufficiency.
-Obesity (overweight physical structure causes pressure to occur in the valves in the leg veins, causing damage)
-Phlebitis (superficial thrombophlebitis)
According to research, venous insufficiency occurs more in women than in men. . In this regard, we can say that women are more prone to venous insufficiency than men. As we can understand from birth control pills or hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy, many changes in women's body balance can cause a tendency to venous insufficiency.
What are the Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency?
-Leg pain is the most well-known symptom of venous insufficiency. Throbbing pains in the legs are severe and negatively affect daily life.
- Swelling occurs in the legs and ankles due to fluid accumulation in the leg lymphs. This is a sign that edema has begun to form.
-Itching in the legs
-Feeling of fullness in the legs and the accompanying feeling of restlessness
-Tingling in the soles of the feet
-Noticeable tension in the calves
-Leg ulcer
-New varicose veins in the legs
-Leg cramps, tingling and numbness
p>-Pain when lifting the leg or keeping it upright
-Skin color changes that occur especially around the ankles, these color changes are usually brown or red.
-A wound on the legs and the wound (venous ulcer) not closing for months
-Swelling in the leg veins creates visible effects. When the veins in the legs swell, it creates pressure on the skin and the vein colors create a bluish appearance that can be seen from the outside.
-Wounds and rashes on the legs. Occurrence
-Feeling of heaviness in the legs
-Thickening of the skin on the legs and ankles
Symptoms of venous insufficiency are generally severe contractions in the legs, throbbing sensations. pains, numbness etc. It shows itself with. The later stages of these pains: Conditions that may lead to ulcer formation on the ankles, feet or lower legs follow. In this regard, if persistent pain, numbness or persistent wounds are observed in the legs, it is necessary to seek medical attention urgently.
What are the Diagnosis Methods of Venous Insufficiency?
For venous insufficiency, a Cardiovascular Surgery doctor should be consulted.
The first step regarding venous insufficiency is a physical examination. The most commonly used method to determine the source and nature of the problem is color Doppler ultrasonography. In addition,
-MR Venography
-Computed Tomography (CT)
-Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to observe and diagnose damage within the vein
-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or color ultrasound may be requested.
How is Venous Insufficiency Treated?
In the treatment of venous insufficiency, the cause of the disease is determined. and the degree of damage caused to the vessels constitute the two basic points of the treatment to be applied. The treatments applied in line with these two basic factors are as follows:
-Use of compression stockings; Compression socks are medical materials that help regulate blood flow by applying constant pressure decreasing upward from the ankle to the calves. With the use of compression stockings, the effects of venous insufficiency are tried to be eliminated by regulating the disorder in blood flow.
-By elevating the legs; The aim is to keep the legs above the heart level for half an hour, three or four times a day, thus reducing the pressure in the veins in the legs.
-Drug treatment; These are treatments administered by administering drugs such as aspirin, diuretic and pentoxifylline. Diuretic, eliminating swelling in the legs, pentoxifylline healing leg ulcers, veins It is necessary to increase the tone and aspirin is necessary as a blood thinner.
-Sclerotherapy method; It is applied by injecting salt water or chemicals into the vein with venous insufficiency. This substance causes the vein to harden, descend and become invisible to the naked eye.
-Surgical intervention; It is a method that may be necessary in the advanced stages of venous insufficiency. Returning vein functions to normal by surgical methods in patients with venous insufficiency; It is carried out by removing the vein from the body and directing the direction of blood flow to the healthy vein by applying bypass, venous ablation, angioplasty or stent.
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