1819 Bay Ridge Ave , Suite 180, Annapolis MD 21403

Venous Insufficiency Treatment in Annapolis, MD

Venous Insufficiency Treatment Annapolis, MD

When the vein walls and/or valves in the leg function improperly, thereby restricting blood flow from the heart to the legs, a condition known as venous insufficiency, or sometimes called chronic venous insufficiency, is to blame. In venous sufficiency, restricted blood flow causes "pooling" of blood in the veins, a process called stasis, which may cause varicose veins or venous ulcers. While venous insufficiency is often the result of a condition called deep vein thrombosis, other factors put you at a higher risk of developing venous insufficiency, including:

  • Being older in age
  • Being female
  • Being overweight
  • Exercising infrequently or not at all
  • Being a smoker
  • Having a family history of varicose veins

To schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider in Annapolis that specializes in venous insufficiency treatment, call (410) 266-3613 or contact Dr. Alan Stuart Weiss online.

Venous Insufficiency Symptoms

Symptoms of venous insufficiency include:

  • Itching
  • Cramping
  • Increased pain when standing, or decreased pain when the legs are raised
  • Changes in skin color and other skin changes, including:
    • Swelling of the legs and ankles
    • Irritated or cracked skin
    • Varicose veins
    • Skin sores (ulcers, known as venous ulcers or venous insufficiency ulcers)

Venous Insufficiency Diagnosis & Treatment

If your healthcare provider suspects you have venous insufficiency, he or she will likely run a number of diagnostic tests, including:

  • Duplex ultrasound to check how blood flows in the veins, as well as to rule out other problems of the legs such as a blood clot
  • Venogram, which uses contrast dye in your veins and an X-ray to help visualize your blood vessels to identify any abnormalities

Venous insufficiency treatment will depend on a number of factors including the symptoms with which you present, your age, the severity of your condition as well as how you can tolerate medications or procedures. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend you wear compression stockings, which have special elastic that apply pressure at the ankle and lower leg in order to improve blood flow and reduce leg swelling. Compression stockings are made in a wide range of prescription strengths and lengths to accommodate different severities, thus discussing the best type of compression stocking will work best for you with your healthcare provider is ideal. Additional tips for treating your condition will focus on improving blood flow, which could include keeping your legs elevated, uncrossed while sitting and exercising regularly. Some medications may also be recommended, depending on the extent of your condition, and may include:

  • Diuretics: Medications that stimulate extra fluid draw from your body through your kidneys
  • Anticoagulants: Medications to thin the blood
  • Pentoxifylline (Trental): A medication to improve blood flow

In severe cases of venous insufficiency, surgery may be recommended to repair the veins or valves, to remove (strip) damaged veins from your body or procedures to tie off or close your varicose veins or other damaged veins.

It is important to meet with a healthcare provider if you suspect venous insufficiency ails you. Schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in Annapolis that specializes in vascular disorders. Call (410) 266-3613 or contact Dr. Alan Stuart Weiss online.

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Annapolis Integrative Medicine
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Address

1819 Bay Ridge Ave
Suite 180
Annapolis, MD 21403
(410) 266-3613
www.annapolisintegrativemedicine.com

Areas We Service:

Arnold, MD, Churchton, MD, Crofton, MD, Crownsville, MD, Curtis Bay, MD, Davidsonville, MD, Deale, MD, Edgewater, MD, Fort George G Meade, MD, Friendship, MD, Galesville, MD, Gambrills, MD, Gibson Island, MD, Glen Burnie, MD, Hanover, MD, Harmans, MD, Harwood, MD, Millersville, MD, Odenton, MD, Pasadena, MD, Riva, MD, Severn, MD, Severna Park, MD, Shady Side, MD, Tracys Landing, MD, West River, MD, Fort Howard, MD, Sparrows Point, MD, Brooklyn, MD, Dunkirk, MD, North Beach, MD, Owings, MD, Annapolis Junction, MD, Jessup, MD, Rock Hall, MD, Bowie, MD, Glenn Dale, MD, Upper Marlboro, MD, Chester, MD, Grasonville, MD, Queenstown, MD, Stevensville, MD, Bozman, MD, Claiborne, MD, Mcdaniel, MD, Saint Michaels, MD, Sherwood, MD, Tilghman, MD, Wittman, MD