Venous Insufficiency: EP Wellness and Functional Medicine Clinic

Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The veins transport blood back to the heart, and the valves in the veins stop the blood from flowing backward. When the veins have difficulties sending blood from the limbs back to the heart, this is known as venous insufficiency. With this condition, the blood does not flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to accumulate in the veins of the legs. Chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, and functional medicine can increase and improve circulation and help manage symptoms.

Venous Insufficiency

The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the cells in the body. This system consists of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. When blood circulation is restricted, it can lead to a buildup of toxins and waste products, which can cause various health problems, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and dizziness. Unhealthy circulation can also contribute to other health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The most common causes of venous insufficiency include:

• Blood clots
• Varicose veins
• A family history of venous insufficiency.
• Deep vein thrombosis.
• When forward flow through the veins is obstructed, such as in the case of a blood clot, blood builds up below the clot, which can lead to venous insufficiency.
• In varicose veins, the valves can be missing or damaged, and blood leaks back through the defective valves.
• In some cases, weakness in the leg muscles that push blood forward can also contribute to venous insufficiency.
• Venous insufficiency is more common in women than men and is more likely in adults over 50.

Circulation Symptoms

There are different symptoms associated with unhealthy circulation, and can include:

• Tingling or numbness in the extremities
• Cold hands and feet
• Pain or cramping in the muscles
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Erectile dysfunction

Symptoms of venous insufficiency include:

• Swelling of the legs or ankles – edema
• Pain that gets worse when standing and improves when raising the legs.
• Aching, throbbing, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
• A sense of tightness in the calves.
• Leg cramps
• Weak legs
• Itchy legs
• Thickening of the skin on the legs or ankles.
• Skin that is changing color, especially around the ankles
• Varicose veins
• Leg ulcers

Diagnosis

A doctor will perform a physical examination and take a complete medical history. They may order imaging tests to locate the source of the problem. These tests may include a venogram or a duplex ultrasound.

Venogram

• A doctor will insert an intravenous contrast dye into the veins.
• Contrast dye causes the blood vessels to appear opaque on the X-ray image, which helps the doctor see them on the image.
• This dye will give the doctor a clear image of the blood vessels.

Duplex Ultrasound

• A duplex ultrasound tests the speed and direction of blood circulation in the veins.
• A technician will place gel on the skin and press a small hand-held instrument on and around the area.
• The instrument uses sound waves that bounce back to a computer and produce images of blood circulation.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on various factors, including the reason for the condition and individual health status and history. Other factors a doctor will consider include:

• Specific symptoms
• Age
• The severity of the condition
• Medication and/or procedure tolerance

The most common treatment is prescription compression stockings.

• These special stockings apply pressure on the ankle and lower leg.
• They help improve blood circulation and reduce leg swelling.
• Compression stockings come in a range of prescription strengths and lengths.

Strategies

Treatments can include several methods.

Improving Circulation

Chiropractic adjustments and vascular massage therapy on the legs can help improve blood circulation. Massage therapies such as vascular and lymphatic drainage massages aim to increase circulation, improve tissue nutrition, and can benefit patients with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

• The technique for lymphatic drainage involves light strokes to move lymph fluid into lymph vessels.
• The technique used to improve circulation involves short strokes to move blood from the valves to the veins.

However, massage therapy is not for all patients with vein diseases and conditions.

• Massage therapy is not recommended for patients with advanced-stage vein disease, in which large and bulging veins, ulcerations, and discoloration are present.
• Massaging the area could cause the weakened veins to burst, worsening the condition.
• Massage therapy is also unsafe for patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as it could dislodge a clot and cause it to travel.

Medications

Medications may be prescribed. These include:

• Diuretics – medications that draw extra fluid from the body and are excreted through the kidneys.
• Anticoagulants – medicines that thin the blood.
• Pentoxifylline – medicine that helps improve blood circulation.

Surgery

More serious cases may require surgery. A doctor may suggest one of the following surgical procedures:

• Surgical repair of the veins or valves.
• Removing the damaged vein.
• Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery – The surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera to see and tie off damaged veins.
• Laser surgery – A treatment that uses laser light to fade or close off damaged veins.
• Vein bypass – A healthy vein is transplanted from a different body area. Generally used only in the upper thigh and as a last option for severe cases.

Venous Insufficiency: What You Need To Know

References

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Patel SK, Surowiec SM. Venous Insufficiency. [Updated 2022 Aug 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430975/

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