While I have dealt with many different and unrelated health issues over the years, the most recent I have dealt with is my diagnosis of venous reflux disease. I wanted to research to understand what it was, as I do with everything else. This guide aims to shed light on venous reflux disease in a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand manner. So, you’re in the right place whether you were just diagnosed, have been living with the condition for a while, or are simply curious about venous health. Let’s dive in.

What Is Venous Reflux?

This disease, also known as chronic venous insufficiency, affects the veins in the legs. The valves in these veins, which usually keep blood flowing back to the heart, don’t work correctly. The above results in blood pooling in the legs, causing a range of symptoms from swelling and pain to skin changes and ulcers.

While it’s common, venous reflux disease is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. But, with the proper knowledge, those affected can better understand their condition, explore treatment options, and improve their quality of life.

Understanding the Basics of Venous Reflux

Venous Reflux Disease encompasses a range of venous abnormalities, with varicose veins being the most common manifestation.

The exact mechanisms of this disease still need to be fully understood. However, genetics and environmental factors are crucial in its development and progression. Exposure to these factors leads to altered hemodynamics within the venous system, resulting in ambulatory venous hypertension, microcirculatory changes, inflammatory responses, hypoxia, venous wall remodeling, and epigenetic variations. These changes can have systemic implications and significantly impact the individual’s quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors of Venous Reflux Disease

There are several causes/factors associated with Venous Reflux Disease. While genetics and environmental factors contribute, other reasons can also lead to the development of this condition. Some common causes and risk factors include:

• Family history of venous disease
•   Prolonged standing or sitting
•   Pregnancy
•   Obesity
•   Aging
•   Hormonal changes
•   Previous history of blood clots

Understanding these causes and risk factors is essential for the proper clinical management of the disease. Identifying individuals at risk and beginning preventive measures can help mitigate potential harm and help those affected by this condition.

For more detailed information, you can visit the following reputable sources:

• The American Venous Forum
•   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
•   Mayo Clinic

Also, see Related Physical Health articles.

Signs and Symptoms of Venous Reflux Disease

Recognizing Common Symptoms:

• Achy and painful legs
• Burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensation
• Cramping in your legs, especially at night
• Reddish-brown or leather-looking skin
• Edema (swelling) in your lower legs and ankles
• Itchy skin on your legs or feet
• Heavy feeling in your legs
• Open sores or ulcers, usually near the ankles or feet

Potential Complications If Untreated

Venous reflux disease, if left untreated, can lead to various complications:

• Tissue inflammation in the affected area
•   Tissue damage
•   Venous stasis ulcers, which are open sores on the skin’s surface
•   Infections in the ulcers, which can spread to nearby tissues and lead to cellulitis

Click here for more information about chronic venous insufficiency symptoms and complications.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Venous Reflux Disease

Healthcare professionals use physical examination, medical history analysis, diagnostic tests, and imaging techniques to diagnose and evaluate the disease. These methods allow for a comprehensive assessment of the condition and help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Physical Examination and Medical History

During an exam, the doctor will examine the affected area, looking for visible signs of reflux, such as varicose veins, telangiectasias, or reticular veins. A medical history will be asked about any relevant symptoms or previous treatments. This information helps understand the patient’s overall health and identify potential risk factors.

Diagnostic Tests and Imaging Techniques

Several tests and imaging techniques can help confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of Venous Reflux Disease. These include:

• Doppler Ultrasound: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create images of the veins, allowing healthcare professionals to assess the blood flow and identify any abnormalities. Some call it vein mapping; I had done this for my leg.
•   Venography: This procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into the veins and taking X-ray images, providing detailed information about the venous system and any reflux.
•   CT Scan: Computed Tomography scans can visualize the veins and assess their condition.
•   MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging can provide detailed images of the veins, helping evaluate the disease.

Treatment Options for Venous Reflux Disease

Regarding managing venous reflux disease, various treatment options are available. The treatment depends on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors. This section will discuss the different treatment approaches for venous reflux disease, including lifestyle modifications and self-care measures, conservative treatment approaches, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical intervention for severe cases.

Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care Measures

For individuals with mild symptoms of venous reflux disease, lifestyle modifications and self-care measures can be a practical first-line approach. These measures aim to reduce symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. Some lifestyle modifications and self-care measures include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the veins, exacerbating the symptoms of venous reflux disease. Losing weight, if necessary, can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall vein health.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity, walking or swimming, can promote healthy blood circulation and prevent blood pooling in the veins.
• Elevate the legs: Raising the legs above the heart for short periods can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
• Avoid too much sitting or standing: Sitting or standing for hours can contribute to venous reflux. Taking breaks and regularly changing positions can help alleviate symptoms.
• Wearing compression stockings: Compression stockings provide pressure to the legs, which promotes better blood flow and reduces symptoms of venous reflux.

These lifestyle modifications and self-care measures can positively impact managing venous reflux disease and improving overall vein health.

Conservative Treatment Approaches

In addition to lifestyle modifications, other treatment approaches can work for individuals with moderate symptoms of venous reflux disease. These approaches aim to alleviate symptoms and improve venous function. Some traditional treatment approaches include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with venous reflux disease. However, I don’t recommend long-term use.
•  Topical creams: Topical creams containing ingredients like horse chestnut extract or witch hazel can temporarily relieve symptoms such as itching and discomfort.
•  Sclerotherapy: This is a minimally invasive procedure where a solution gets injected into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and get reabsorbed by the body.
•  Compression: compression sleeves or stockings can help increase pressure and act against gravity, helping force blood flow back to the heart.

Conservative treatment approaches can effectively manage symptoms and slow the progression of venous reflux disease.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

A minimally invasive procedure may be the next step for individuals with more advanced venous reflux disease. These procedures aim to treat the underlying cause of venous reflux and restore proper venous function. Some minimally invasive procedures include:

• Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA): EVLA involves using laser energy to seal off the affected veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. My doctor has recommended this treatment for me; I am considering doing this, and I will update this post with the results once I do!
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): RFA uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to close the diseased veins.

Minimally invasive procedures effectively treat venous reflux disease and provide long-term relief from symptoms.

Surgical Intervention for Severe Cases

Surgery may be necessary in rare cases where severe venous reflux disease is not responsive to other treatment options. Surgical procedures aim to remove or repair the affected veins to restore proper venous function. Some surgical interventions for severe cases of venous reflux disease include:

• Vein ligation and stripping: This surgical procedure involves tying off and removing the diseased veins through small incisions in the skin.
• Phlebectomy involves removing the affected veins through small punctures in the skin.

Surgery is typically a last resort and reserved for when other options have been unsuccessful in managing severe venous reflux disease.

Conclusion

Overall chronic venous insufficiency can be a significant undiagnosed problem. If you have circulation issues or concerns with your lower extremities, consider talking to your doctor about getting a venous ultrasound done.