WHAT IS VENOUS REFLUX & IS IT DANGEROUS?
Venous reflux refers to the backing up of blood in the veins, which is one of the most common contributors to vascular disease and with that being said of course it is dangerous. Venous reflux is responsible for many of the symptoms of chronic vascular insufficiency, including swelling (edema) in the legs and ankles, changes in skin color and texture around the legs and ankles, and varicose veins (thick bulging veins). Here at the Alpha Vein Clinic Las Vegas we can determine if you are experiencing venous reflux through a series of tests, and help put together a treatment plan to alleviate the pain and symptoms that venous reflux causes.
VENOUS REFLUX DISEASE:
Venous reflux disease, also known as venous insufficiency, is a medical condition affecting the circulation of blood in the lower extremities. The tiny valves that normally force blood back up towards the heart no longer function, causing blood to pool up in the legs, and the veins of the legs become distended.
Venous reflux disease commonly produces varicose veins, the abnormally swollen and discolored superficial leg veins that affect more than 25 million Americans. Varicose veins can range from small, thin purple lines just under the skin also known as “spider veins” to thick, bulging veins that can protrude well beyond the skin surface. In any form, varicose veins serve as a good indicator of venous reflux, a progressive disease that can cause significant circulatory problems as it worsens and can be life threatening if left untreated.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF VENOUS REFLUX:
In the absence of other symptoms, patients with cosmetic concerns due to the presence of varicose or spider veins should be evaluated as soon as the veins are seen. However, patients presenting with other symptoms of venous insufficiency, such as those listed below, should also undergo an in-depth evaluation, including a duplex ultrasound study.
- Leg pain, aching, tired or weak legs, especially after long periods of standing or sitting.
- Varicose veins
- Burning or itching of the skin
- Swollen legs and/or swollen ankles (edema)
- Color and texture changes of the skin
- Open wounds (skin ulcers)
VENOUS REFLUX RISK FACTORS:
You may be at greater risk for venous reflux to occur if you:
- Have a family history of venous disease
- Stand daily for long periods of time — especially in physically demanding careers such as nursing or teaching.
- Have been pregnant, or have experienced multiple pregnancies
- Are a woman
- Are obese
- If you are elderly
VENOUS REFLUX TREATMENT:
Part of your treatment plan for venous reflux may include making healthy lifestyle choices which promote healthy venous circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy nutritious foods and exercising regularly will help keep your blood circulating.
Walking is an especially good form of exercise. If you stand for long periods during the day, taking breaks to sit down and to put your feet up will reduce swelling and inflammation. If you are sedentary most of the day, taking breaks to walk or move your body will encourage circulation.
Compression garments are often used either as the primary treatment for venous reflux, or in conjunction with other treatments. Compression socks or compression pantyhose can help maintain venous blood flow.
PROCEDURES FOR VENOUS REFLUX:
In severe cases of venous reflux where veins are badly damaged, veins can be removed or bypassed through several surgical options.
Non-invasive options include:
- Sclerotherapy: uses chemical injections to collapse a vein.
- Ablation: uses heat to destroy a vein.
- Laser therapy: uses lasers to destroy a vein.
These commonly used techniques are used to seal faulty veins which are refluxing. We also have a great procedure known as the MOCA™ varicose vein treatment using the ClariVein catheter which has many advantages over existing Laser or Radiofrequency techniques including:
- MOCA (Mechanical Occlusion Chemically Assisted) uses mechanical agitation of the lining of the vein together with a sclerosing chemical to glue the vessel closed
- Effective and safe technique with no pain
- Minimal discomfort and negligible bruising
- No risk of thermal (heat) damage as there may be with techniques such as laser or radiofrequency ablation
- No risk of nerve or skin damage
- No multiple needle stick injuries (no tumescent anaesthetic is required)
- No internal leg pressure
- Rapid return to normal activities
It is great to know that also Dr. Sassan Kaveh is one of the only physicians who is trained to perform Clarivein procedure in Nevada. So if you have the presence of those ugly unwanted varicose and spider veins on your once beautiful legs, Don’t wait call us now at the Alpha Vein Clinic Las Vegas 702-430- 7661. Let us take care of all your vein problems today! We are excited to hear from you and make you smile again.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
You Can Now Call Us 24/7