Changes in skin color and texture are often noticeable signs of venous reflux or chronic venous insufficiency. This condition can indicate that your body is having trouble circulating blood efficiently.
Specifically in the legs, blood flow works against gravity to reach your heart. In turn, blood begins to pool in the leg veins, which can result in swollen ankles, skin changes and may contribute to varicose veins or restless legs syndrome.
Understanding Venous Reflux Disease
To understand how venous reflux disease develops, first consider how the valves in your leg veins work. They are intended to push blood in one direction, assisted by the surrounding calf muscles, which support the valves as they move blood toward the heart.
Venous reflux often occurs as a result of malfunctioning valves in the legs. The valves don’t push as effectively and begin to “leak”, creating a reflux effect. The blood then flows backward, pulled by the force of gravity toward the feet and ankles. You’ll notice more prominent veins, swelling, skin color and texture changes.
Symptoms of Venous Reflux Disease
As a result of this progression, you may start to experience a combination of symptoms:
- Edema, or swelling around the legs and ankles
- Cramping or pain in the legs
- Leg pain when you stand
- A heavy, dull or aching sensation in your legs
- Leg itching
- Varicose, spider or reticular veins
- Changes in skin color, including visible patches of purple or brown around the ankles
- Thickened or waxy-looking skin
- A tight sensation around your calves
- Leg ulcers or sores, especially around the ankles and shins that are slow to heal
Causes of Venous Reflux Disease
Venous insufficiency is primarily caused by genetics. Yet the condition may occur or worsen in response to another blood conditions, cardiovascular conditions or certain lifestyle factors, including:
- Aging, when the vein valves and walls begin to weaken.
- Hormonal changes including pregnancy.
- Obesity or leading a primarily inactive lifestyle.
- Congenital birth defects that affect your valves.
- A blockage in the groin or pelvic area.
- An injury to the ankle or leg area.
- A history of smoking.
Diagnosing and Treating Venous Reflux Disease
Diagnosing venous reflux disease begins with an ultrasound to assess the rate of blood flow and any restrictions present. A doctor will also review your medical history, conduct a physical examination and ask about lifestyle factors.
To treat venous insufficiency, patients diagnosed with venous reflux disease may be steered toward:
- Varithena®, which involves injecting a gentle foam treatment into the malfunctioning veins to close them off.
- Radiofrequency to destroy and close off the damaged veins.
Concerned about venous reflux disease? Schedule a consultation at the Vein Centers of Connecticut to have our team assess the issue and develop a treatment plan.