Are You Suffering from Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Do you have varicose veins, swollen feet/ankles or leg pain when standing? You may be suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. This condition affects up to 40% of the population in the U.S. and can be debilitating if left untreated. Getting to the cause of the pain and managing the symptoms can help you continue to enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle.

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

The veins in your legs transport the blood back to the heart. To ensure the blood only goes one direction, these veins have valves that keep blood flowing up and not retreating toward the feet. If these valves malfunction, the blood flow can backup and accumulate in the lower legs and feet. This can cause swelling, pain and varicose veins to occur. Some people have cramping, itchy skin, throbbing and weakness in their legs due to this condition.

Treating chronic venous insufficiency begins with working to improve the blood flow in the legs to minimize the symptoms. Some simple options can be using compression socks and elevating the legs whenever possible. Exercise is important; although the legs may hurt or be weak, getting sufficient exercise can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms if done on a regular basis.

For severe chronic venous insufficiency, it may be necessary to seek medical attention to manage the symptoms and get relief. A cardiologist is your best option as they are specialists in dealing with all issues related to the heart and circulatory system. With professional treatment, you can minimize the pain and discomfort from chronic venous insufficiency and continue to enjoy the activities you love.

Posted on behalf of:
Alan Benvenisty, MD
1090 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
212-523-4706

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