Is venous reflux serious?

Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat. But it can be painful and disabling.

When should I be concerned about venous reflux?

Speak with a doctor if any warning signs or symptoms of venous reflux occur, such as pain, muscle cramps, or swelling. Healthcare professionals can typically manage the condition with various techniques. However, without treatment, symptoms can worsen over time.

Will venous reflux go away?

This will likely make your legs feel less achy and swollen, and feels especially good at the end of a long day. Even people with mild cases of venous insufficiency may get substantial reversal of symptoms after just a few minutes of elevation.

What happens if venous reflux is left untreated?

Untreated venous insufficiency results not only in a gradual loss of cosmesis but also in variety of complications including persistent pain and discomfort, hemorrhage, superficial thrombophlebitis, and progressive skin changes that may ultimately lead to ulceration.

Can venous insufficiency go away?

The problem will not go away if you wait, and the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of preventing serious complications. Symptoms include: Swelling in the lower legs and ankles, especially after extended periods of standing.

What is venous reflux disease?

In conclusion, Venous Reflux Disease is a condition in which there is damage to the valves of the veins, especially in the lower extremities that causes deoxygenated blood to flow back into the veins causing pooling of the blood in the lower extremities.

How do you evaluate a patient for venous reflux?

Technique Patients are evaluated in the standing position to ensure maximum venous distention. The patient will need to be able to support their weight on the opposite leg to participate in maneuvers to elicit reflux. Slight limb flexion and outward rotation provides optimal visualisation of the great saphenous vein.

Are perforating veins a sign of significant reflux?

Perforating veins with diameters greater than 3.5 mm can also be taken as a sign of significant reflux (40). Pathological perforators are a newly described entity of incompetent perforating veins near venous ulcers that do not normalize after successful treatment of other pathways of reflux with the use of compression stockings (41).

How to treat venous reflux with compression stocking?

Compression stocking is the best and the most preferred way to treat Venous Reflux Disease. It works by compressing the blood vessels in the lower extremities thereby increasing pressure in the veins and promoting blood flow.