Oftentimes, legs, ankles, and feet swell and ache. These can be the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. Caused by blood pooling in the lower extremities due to poorly functioning valves in veins, CVI can worsen. So, if your veins hurt, bulge, or become discolored, see your vein specialist in Tampa, FL, for a full evaluation. Here’s more.
Just What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
If the valves in your leg veins fail to operate properly and cannot send blood back to the heart, the resulting stagnant circulation is called CVI, or chronic venous insufficiency. Most people experience this condition as varicose veins, the purple to blue, twisted and rope-like blood vessels in the lower extremities.
As varicose veins worsen, so does CVI. About one in 20 American adults experience CVI. Most are middle-aged and up, female, and may have problems with weight or sedentariness. Also, these vein problems tend to run in families, which makes researchers believe genetics can play a role in many kinds of vein issues.
What Can CVI Lead to?
Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to varicose veins of varying severity in the ankles, feet, and lower legs. If left untreated, varicose veins can progress, causing unsightly, bulging, and discolored blood vessels right at the surface of the skin.
Sadly, these varicose veins can cause painful swelling, leg ulcers, and an infection called cellulitis. Additionally, the inherent blood pooling characteristic of varicose veins can progress to thrombophlebitis, an uncomfortable inflammatory condition of blood vessels that develops blood clots..
Even more concerning is the possibility that some blood clots may dislodge from their site of origin in the legs. If they do and travel to the heart or lungs, they can stay there and threaten the health and even the life of the patient. This emergent condition is known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, and consequent pulmonary (lung) emboli.
Should I See aVein Specialist?
You should seek treatment for your painful veins. You will look better and feel healthier if your vascular surgeon pinpoints the exact cause of your discomfort and treats it. Here are just some of the symptoms Dr. Edward Mackay sees in his Tampa area offices:
- Itchy, burning, discolored skin
- Fatigued, heavy, and/or restless legs
- Pain as you stand and walk
- Swelling in one or both feet and legs
- Cramping
- Noticeably bulging veins and smaller spider veins
When you see your vein doctor, be sure to discuss all your symptoms, their location, severity, when they started, and what helps or worsens them. The vein doctor will review your medications and medical history and, as needed, use painless duplex ultrasound testing to view your vein structure and blood flow. With the findings, they can recommend treatments to relieve your symptoms and avoid complications.
Painful Vein Treatments in Tampa, FL
Dr. Edward Mackay has more than 20 years of experience in treating venous issues of all kinds. His interventions include vein surgery, radio frequency ablation, endovenous laser treatments, sclerotherapy, Vena Seal vein glue, and more.
He works with each patient individually to improve blood flow and the look and feel of affected blood vessels. He is board-certified and fellowship-trained in vascular surgery and would be pleased to see you at one of his three convenient locations: Largo, St. Petersburg, or Palm Harbor, FL.
To know more about our services or arrange a consultation, call us today at(727) 781-5652 or use our online appointment request form.
