What is it
Venous insufficiency is a circulation disorder characterized by a difficult return of blood from the extremities to the heart.
The most typical manifestation is the appearance of enlarged, dilated and tortuous veins on the surface of the skin of the legs and other parts of the body.
Causes
The decreased ability of the veins to return blood to the heart can be caused by a loss of elasticity of the vessels or by the malfunction of the valves positioned inside them, essential to counteract the force of gravity that opposes the ascent of blood flow from below.
Risk factors for venous insufficiency are considered overweight, advanced age, pregnancy, family history, water retention, the use of hormonal contraceptives, constipation and the performance of a profession that makes you stand for many hours and stand motionless.
Other conditions that hinder the physiological venous return to the heart, also favoring the formation of thrombi, are immobility in bed, the casting of a leg and surgery on the lower limbs.
Common symptoms
The most classic sign is the appearance of bluish and soft vessels under the skin, especially of the legs, due to stagnation of blood.
The most common symptoms are swelling (edema) in the feet and ankles, heaviness and warmth in the legs, tingling, cramping, itching and pain, especially at night.
The disorders tend to worsen during the day, when you are standing for a long time and on hot days.
The enlargement of the veins can also affect other parts of the body, for example the plexus, with the formation of hemorrhoids.
It is good that those at risk of hemorrhoids prefer some foods to the detriment of others.
Recommended foods | Foods to avoid |
---|---|
Pasta and rice in raw oil | Spicy foods |
Wholemeal bread | Wine |
White meat | Animal fats |
Lean cheeses | Crustacean |
Cooked vegetables | Cheeses |
Ripe fruit | Sausages |
Spices | |
Smoked |
Complications
Venous insufficiency can lead to rupture of the most fragile vessels with the appearance of bluish spots on the more or less expanded skin, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and phlebitis.
In severe cases, deep vein thrombosis may form, very dangerous.
Treatment
To improve venous circulation and avoid complications it is important to intervene on behaviors and lifestyle, for example by walking as much as possible and abolishing cigarette smoking.
Especially people with hereditary predisposition to venous insufficiency and pregnant women should habitually wear elastic stockings with gradual compression.
It is useful to sleep with your legs raised by about ten centimeters, take a short walk during longer trips by car and plane, often get up on your toes.
It can also give relief to wrap the legs with elastic bandages (performed by an expert) to prevent the veins from dilating.
The use of vasoprotective drugs, natural or synthetic, are useful to strengthen the elasticity of the vessels and reduce swelling in the legs.
Among the medicinal plants that carry out this activity are the centella asiatica, the red vine, the butcher’s broom and the blueberry.
Varicose veins caused by venous insufficiency can be treated surgically by injecting an irritant into the vessel (sclerosing therapy) or by removing the vein.
If you want to know more about medicinal plants useful in case of venous insufficiency read this article.
When to consult your doctor
In the presence of risk factors that predispose to severe venous insufficiency (obesity, pregnancy, immobility), swelling and widespread pain in the ankles and legs, cramps, ulcers or a previous episode of deep vein thrombosis, it is necessary to seek medical attention.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.