venous insufficiency

Venous valvular insufficiency or venous reflux (venous blood flowing backwards because vein valve are broken) can cause varicose veins and swelling. When prolonged and severe though, the high pressure and inflammation that is produced from the reflux can cause skin damage and even ulceration. When this occurs, it is referred to as chronic venous insufficiency (or the older term venous stasis).

It is interesting that you receive that information. I am not aware of Grade 3 venous insufficiency classification. Ther is a CEAP classification. C3 corresponds to patients that have edema as a consequence of venous insufficiency, however gets a bit more complex when add the other components. Would be better for the general publc to refers as mild/moderate/severe.

A duplex ultrasound that looks for the presence of reflux in the superficial and deep system of veins is the most useful test for venous insufficiency.

When superficial veins are insufficient, they are structurally broken. The vein walls are too stiff and don't have enough elastic in them. Vein valves that keep blood from flowing backwards are broken too. Nothing works right in these veins and we don't the technological ability to fix them yet. So we remove them. This can be done with surgery, sclerotherapy, and/or thermal ablation (laser/RF).

That will depend on the severity of your vein condition and what type of symptoms that you have. You would be best served by seeing a vein specialist (typically a vascular surgeon) to obtain recommendation for your condition. Moderate to severe disease can be treated with laser (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (VNUS) as well as sclerotherapy or surgery. Mild disease can be managed with stockings

Chronic venous insufficiency results from damage to venous one-way valves that prevent gravity from pulling blood down to your feet. The pressure within those veins elevates abnormally, extending damage and the veins dilate into varicosities. More damage results in more extensive venous insufficiency, leading to swelling, pigmentation, dermatitis and eventually venous ulcer.

Varicose veins, swelling and possibly brownish discoloration of the legs. Pain and discomfort may also be associated. If you have any of these symptoms you should see your doctor and ask for vascular surgical opinion.

difference visible immediately:In lymphedema the toes and foot are swollen too, in venous insufficiency the toes are never swollen!! Venous insufficiency is caused by superficial ( varicose veins) or deep (clot) vein problems. Lymphedema is either a birth defect visible later in life or after surgery to remove lymph nodes in cancers.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency is due to the back flow of blood in the veins usually in the lower extremities. Back flow is usually protected by valves in the veins that become faulty over time allowing blood to pool. This increases the pressure of blood in the veins and fluid (and a small amount of blood) leaks into the tissues causing swelling, pain, inflammation, and on the skin ulcerations.

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