Chronic Venous Insufficiency - Diagnosis & Treatment

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How is chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed?

Chronic venous insufficiency is diagnosed through a physical exam and ultrasound imaging. During the exam, providers check for symptoms like ulcers or skin discoloration. A vascular ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of veins, helps identify damaged areas.

How is chronic venous insufficiency treated?

Lifestyle changes:
- Leg elevation: Raise legs above heart level for 30 minutes, three times a day, to reduce pressure.
- Exercise: Walking strengthens calf muscles, aiding blood flow. Foot and ankle flexing exercises may also help.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on veins and protects valve function.
Compression therapy:
- Stockings: Graduated compression stockings help alleviate swelling and discomfort. Prescription-strength stockings may be necessary.
- Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC): Inflatable sleeves for improved blood circulation.
Caution for those with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — consult your provider.
Medications:
- Antibiotics: Treat infections or ulcers caused by CVI.
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Prevent blood clots.
- Unna boot: A medicated wrap that combines compression and zinc oxide gel.
Nonsurgical treatments:
- Sclerotherapy: Injection of a solution to collapse or eliminate the vein.
- Endovenous Thermal Ablation: Laser or radio waves close large veins with minimal bleeding.
Surgical treatments:
- Ligation and stripping: Tying off and removing problematic veins.
- Microincision/Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Minimally invasive removal of superficial veins.
- Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery (SEPS): Blocks off damaged perforating veins to prevent further blood flow.
- Vein bypass: Reroutes blood around severely damaged veins using a healthy vein from another area.

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