What is Venous Reflux?

Lifestyle habits and genetic factors can contribute toward the development of many physical conditions that negatively affect the day to day life of an individual. Among these issues that many people face are those associated with the veins, and one that stands out is venous reflux.

Alternatively known under many names, such as venous insufficiency, post-thrombotic syndrome, phlebitis, or venous leg ulcers, this is a condition that can leave sufferers in pain and discomfort.

There are various underlying factors that can be the reason behind this condition, such as genetics or smoking. Women who have had multiple pregnancies are also at a higher risk of developing Venous Reflux.

Other contributing factors include a family history of having varicose veins, sitting or standing for extended periods of time, being overweight, or not getting enough exercise on a daily basis.

Venous reflux is a condition that can be alleviated through having a healthy lifestyle and following a regulated exercise plan. Undergoing surgery is an option that is left for situations where the condition is too painful or complicated to be handled without medical interference.

What essentially happens in this condition is that the valves in the veins do not work properly, resulting in the accumulation of blood in the legs. This accumulation leads to pressure that is placed on the vein walls which causes discomfort and sometimes physical symptoms to appear on the body.

Changes in skin color, edema, swelling, and ulcers are possible indicators that an individual is suffering from this condition. Both middle aged and older individuals, especially women above the age of fifty are at a higher risk of developing venous reflux.

Compression stockings are an alternative method of treating this condition. However, more complicated scenarios may require vein ablation or vein stripping in order to avoid ulcers.

What You Need To Know About Treating Venous Reflux?

The first step in treatment is locating an experienced medical practitioner with an established track record of success performing the treatment. The individual selected should ideally be someone who you are comfortable having an open discussion about your condition with.

Unless the situation has progressed too far, your surgeon will recommend a healthy diet and regulated exercise to help ease the accumulated blood around the legs. Surgery is best left for situations where physical abnormalities and pain override the necessity to try non-surgical approaches to treatment.

The reason behind why a respected medical expert is required, is to minimize the chances of complications developing due to a botched surgery. You should do your research and make sure you’re working with someone you can trust.

There are two main approaches to venous reflux surgery, the first of which is the radiofrequency vein ablation method. Here, a catheter is used to deliver microwave radiation in order to seal the veins that are being affected by reflux. You can return to work within a few weeks of this surgery.

The other approach is known as debridement. A treatment that is considered if the ulcers show any signs of infection, or you show signs of an increased white blood count. The infected tissue and any foreign objects are removed and platelet production is activated.

Contact Our Office

Interested in learning more about treating the problems you have with your veins? Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raffi Dishakjian, an experienced vein specialist, to talk about your needs in a comfortable environment.