Venous Insufficiency Specialist
South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine
Dual Board-Certified Vein and Aesthetic Specialist located in Rockville Centre, NY
Chronic venous insufficiency is an underlying cause of varicose veins and, unless they’re treated, could lead to the development of venous ulcers. If you have symptoms of venous insufficiency, dual board-certified vein specialist David Jacobs, MD, DABR, DABVLM, can help. At South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine in Rockville Centre, New York, Dr. Jacobs uses a variety of safe and effective techniques like endovenous laser therapy and sclerotherapy to treat chronic venous insufficiency. To benefit from his expertise, call South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine, or book an appointment online today.
Venous Insufficiency Q & A
What is venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which is also known as venous reflux, is a condition affecting the valves in your veins. These valves are like tiny gateways that open when blood pumps along the vein, then close in between pumps.
Valves work to fight the effects of gravity on your blood. For blood in your legs to get back to your heart for fresh oxygen supplies, it has to combat gravity. Valves ensure that the blood that pumps up your leg doesn’t go back down.
If the valves aren’t working properly and don’t form a seal, gravity pulls some of the blood back, forming pools in the veins. These pools are the start of varicose veins.
What causes venous insufficiency?
Your risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency rises as you get older. Being female and having a family history of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins are also significant. Other factors increasing your risk of developing venous insufficiency include:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Sitting for long periods
- Standing for long periods
- History of deep vein thrombosis
These can all potentially cause the valves in your veins to weaken and trigger venous insufficiency.
What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency?
The symptoms of venous insufficiency affect your legs and include:
- Aching
- Heaviness
- Cramping
- Itching
- Tingling
- Swelling
- Pain
- Skin discoloration
- Stasis dermatitis (red, swollen, weeping skin that forms crusts)
- Lipodermatosclerosis (thickened, darkened, hardened skin on the calves and ankles)
The discomfort caused by venous insufficiency is typically worse when you’re standing and improves if you sit with your legs raised. Without treatment, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to ulcers forming — deep wounds that heal slowly and could get infected.
How is venous insufficiency treated?
Self-care plays a part in managing chronic venous insufficiency. You should avoid standing or sitting for lengthy periods and move your feet and legs frequently to boost circulation. Weight loss can help if you’re overweight or obese, and compression stockings improve the blood flow by supporting the veins in your legs.
If your chronic venous insufficiency requires treatment, Dr. Jacobs can eliminate the affected veins with endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). This nonsurgical treatment uses cutting-edge laser (light) energy to heat and seal the diseased veins.
Afterward, the treated veins gradually disappear as your body absorbs them. Dr. Jacobs can also remove any troublesome or prominent veins using microphlebectomy, which involves making a tiny incision and hooking the veins to draw them out. Other potential treatments include sclerotherapy, including Varithena™ foam sclerotherapy.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency, call South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine, or book an appointment online today.