Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a long term condition which affects the veins in your legs. It is characterized by an inability of the veins to efficiently move blood from the limbs back to the heart, resulting in pooling of blood in the lower legs. This can lead to the development of varicose veins, leg swelling, pain, and potential skin alterations. The effective treatment of CVI must be tailored to the individual patient’s medical history, symptom severity, and lifestyle.
The main objective of
Chronic Venous Insufficiency treatment
is to improve symptoms, halt the progression of the condition and to heal or prevent related complications such as ulcers. The treatment options range from lifestyle modifications, medical management, minimally invasive therapies, and surgical interventions.
Lifestyle modifications are the initial treatment line for CVI. Patients are advised to maintain a physically active lifestyle to encourage improved circulation in their legs. Regular leg exercises, walking and leg elevation can help reduce swelling and help improve blood return to the heart. Compression therapy with stockings or bandages is also recommended. They exert pressure on the veins to improve their function and to relieve symptoms. A healthy diet that is low in salt and rich in bioflavonoids (found in fruits and vegetables) may also help reduce swelling and the appearance of varicose veins.
In terms of medical management, several pharmacological treatments are available including venoactive drugs, topical agents for ulcers, and anticoagulants if a patient has concurrent deep vein thrombosis. The choice of drug treatment is largely dependent on the patient’s symptomology and co-existing conditions. Note, medication alone will not cure CVI but can help manage symptoms and potential complications.
In severe cases or when lifestyle changes and medications do not provide enough relief, procedural or surgical interventions may be necessary. This is particularly so when there are issues like venous reflux or obstruction. Procedures such as endovenous thermal ablation (laser or radiofrequency), sclerotherapy and micro-phlebectomy are options. More extensive surgical procedures such as valve repair or bypass surgery may be required in selected cases.
Experts in the field, like the varicose vein specialists Sydney, use cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art medical procedures to treat CVI. They are equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to carry out these minimally invasive procedures to treat CVI effectively, ensuring patients can return to their daily activities almost immediately with little to no discomfort.
It’s important to remember that CVI is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as required. The individual’s commitment to following treatment advice and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to the successful management of CVI. It’s also significant to educate the patient to recognise worsening symptoms or complications for immediate care.
Lastly, it cannot be overstated that people showing signs and symptoms of CVI such as leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, or skin alterations should seek medical consultation/initiative at an early stage. This proactive approach will not only provide relief from symptoms but also helps prevent the development of serious complications such as skin ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. Importantly, recognizing that the rate of progression can vary widely from person to person, the sooner you seek help, preferably from a specialist like a
varicose vein specialist Sydney
, the better the outcomes for CVI.