If you think you have venous reflux disease or have been diagnosed with vein disease, you may have a lot of questions about your treatment options. Here are some frequently asked questions about this common condition that affects approximately 75 million Americans.
What is venous reflux disease?
The role of arteries is to deliver oxygenated blood throughout the body, while veins move deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart. Veins have valves that open and close and help blood flow against gravity back toward the heart. When the valves in the legs become damaged or diseased, this can lead to vein disease. When working properly, the valves help the veins keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart.
What causes it?
Heredity is to blame for a majority of venous reflux disease cases. Other contributing factors include aging, hormonal changes, excessive body weight, gender, previous pregnancy and having a job where you are standing or sitting for most of the time.
What are the symptoms?
Some of the common symptoms of venous reflux disease include cramping or aching pain, throbbing and heaviness in your legs. Patients also experience swelling, itching, numbness, burning, tingling sensation and fatigue. Patients may experience restless leg syndrome.
How is it diagnosed?
During your appointment, your doctor will examine your legs and other body parts and may use an ultrasound to learn about the blood flow in the legs. Ultrasound can identify blockages or valve dysfunction. Other imaging tests may be ordered to confirm vein disease or rule out other causes.
How do you treat venous reflux disease?
Compression stockings are one of the best ways to manage this disease as they compress blood vessels in the legs to increase pressure and encourage blood flow. Lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight will help as well. Some people with severe symptoms may require treatment such as sclerotherapy or ablation.
Does it need to be treated?
If left untreated, venous reflux disease can become debilitating and life-threatening in some cases.
If you think you may have venous reflux disease and you live in or around the Fort Worth area, call 817.893.2699 to schedule an appointment.