When you think of achy, swollen legs, what comes to mind? Your first inclination might be to think that you have been standing or sitting too long. While this may be the case, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to Weston swollen legs. You might be misinformed about the condition since it is underdiagnosed. Below is a closer look at chronic venous insufficiency and how it relates to leg swelling.
What is chronic venous insufficiency, and why does it cause swollen legs?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition that impairs the return of blood from your legs to your heart. The veins in your legs are responsible for carrying blood back to your heart. To return the blood, the veins rely on muscle contractions as you walk to move the blood along. One-way valves in the veins prevent the blood from flowing backward as it moves up your legs.
When you have chronic venous insufficiency, the valves in your veins are not working properly. This causes blood to pool in your veins, and the vessels stretch out and dilate. Since the veins are not doing their job, blood flows backward and collects in your legs. As a result, your legs become swollen.
Risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency
Several risk factors can increase your chance of developing chronic venous insufficiency. They include:
Overweight: Excess weight puts pressure on your veins and makes it more difficult for the blood to flow properly. As a result, you are more likely to develop chronic venous insufficiency if you are carrying extra weight. Since pregnancy also increases your weight, the extra pressure on your veins can increase the risk of chronic venous insufficiency.
Standing or sitting for too long: If you have a job requiring you to stand or sit for long periods, you are at an increased risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency. This is because the blood flow in your legs is impaired when you are not moving around.
Wearing constrictive clothing: Tight-fitting clothes can also impair blood flow and lead to chronic venous insufficiency.
Age: As you age, the valves in your veins can become weak and less able to function properly. The weak valves mean there is a high risk of blood pooling in your veins and developing chronic venous insufficiency.
How is chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose chronic venous insufficiency with a physical exam. They will look for signs of swelling in your legs and check for varicose veins. Your doctor may also order tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound waves to assess blood flow in your veins and the veins’ structure. The doctor will use this test to check the direction and speed of blood flow and to look for blockages.
How can you manage chronic venous insufficiency?
You can do several things to reduce the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. They include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes
- Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting
- Wearing compression stocking
Prevent leg swelling by managing the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency can affect your life quality, especially when your legs swell and make it challenging to move around. However, you can take steps to improve your symptoms by understanding the condition and knowing the management methods. If you have any concerns, request an appointment with your specialist at Soffer Health Institute.
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