Venous Reflux and Varicose Veins

Vein problems in the legs are very common – especially among adults over the age of 50. Chief among these problems are venous reflux and varicose veins.

Why These Problems Occur

Most veins in your body are responsible for transporting oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. This is especially burdensome for the veins in your legs, which must push blood upward, against the force of gravity.

Valves within your veins assist in this mission by opening and closing, as needed, to allow blood to flow upward. Muscle activity also squeezes the veins, forcing the blood upward from valve to valve. The key task of these valves, then, is to prevent blood from traveling backwards, where it could collect and remain in the veins of the legs.

However, if your veins become damaged and weak, the valves may fail to properly close. If this happens, your blood may begin to pool in the legs instead of traveling upwards. This is called venous reflux, or venous insufficiency. Once it occurs, the problem tends to be chronic, and is often referred to as chronic venous insufficiency.

Risk factors that can contribute to valve malfunctions in leg veins include previous leg problems (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, leg surgery), family history of venous reflux, prolonged sitting or standing (which increases blood pressure in the legs), aging, obesity, pregnancy, lack of exercise, and smoking.

VARICOSE VEINS

Symptoms & Complications of Venous Reflux

Chronic venous insufficiency (venous reflux) can cause a variety of symptoms and complications, including:

  • Leg pain – e.g., a throbbing, aching, or heavy sensation – that worsens when standing and is relieved when at rest with legs elevated
  • Leg cramps
  • Swelling in the ankles or lower legs
  • Varicose veins
  • Restlessness in the legs
  • Tight or itchy calves
  • Nonhealing sores
  • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are engorged, twisted veins that can occur anywhere in the body. When varicose veins appear in the legs, it is most often the result of chronic venous insufficiency (venous reflux), when oxygen-poor blood pools in the veins of the legs, causing the veins to become enlarged and knotty-looking. In these cases, varicose veins develop when blood overfills the veins, resulting in bulging and twisted veins that are noticeable under the skin.

Treating Venous Reflux & Varicose Veins

Your treatment options will depend on the size, location, and severity of your condition and symptoms. Conservative treatment options may include compression stockings, exercise, and/or prescription medications. In more serious cases, you may need surgery.

Endovascular surgical treatments performed by the vascular experts at Florida Endovascular and Interventional include radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy.

Varicose Veins Treatment in South Florida

At Florida Endovascular and Interventional, we have extensive experience evaluating and treating patients with symptomatic venous disease, such as venous reflux and varicose veins.

If you’re concerned about possible venous disease, call Florida Endovascular and Interventional at (786) 534-2555 or request an appointment now. We look forward to seeing you at one of our four convenient South Florida locations.