Venous Insufficiency

Symptoms of venous insufficiency affect the legs. They may include:

• Swelling, often in the ankles.
• A rash.
• Varicose veins.
• Itching.
• Cramping.
• Skin sores (ulcers).
• Aching or a feeling of heaviness.
• Changes in skin color.

Venous insufficiency is sometimes caused by deep vein thrombosis and high blood pressure inside leg veins.

You are more likely to have venous insufficiency if you:

• Are older.
• Are female.
• Are overweight.
• Don't get enough physical activity.
• Smoke.
• Have a family history of varicose veins.

Your doctor can diagnose venous insufficiency by examining your legs and by using a type of ultrasound test (duplex Doppler) to find out how well blood is flowing in your legs.

To reduce swelling and relieve pain caused by venous insufficiency, you can wear compression stockings. They are tighter at the ankles than at the top of the legs. They also can help venous skin ulcers heal. But there are different types of stockings, and they need to fit right. So your doctor will recommend what you need.

You also can try to:

• Get more exercise, especially walking. It can increase blood flow.
• Avoid standing still or sitting for a long time, which can make the fluid pool in your legs.
• Try not to sit with your legs crossed at the knee.
• Keep your legs raised above your heart when you're lying down. This reduces swelling.

If these treatments don't work, you may need medicine or a procedure to help relieve symptoms. Procedures might be done to close the vein, to remove the vein, or to improve blood flow.