Chronic venous insufficiency (CVS) causes swelling, pain, and other uncomfortable leg symptoms. Fortunately, your interventional radiologist, Dr. James McGuckin, offers several helpful CVS treatments. Dr. McGuckin sees patients at Pennsylvania Vascular Institute in King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Bethlehem, East Stroudsburg, and Limerick, PA.
What happens when you have CVS?
CVS occurs when the valves in your veins are damaged or don't work well. Veins send blood back to your heart and contain one-way valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. If the valves don't function properly, blood begins to collect in your legs, causing CVS symptoms. Signs and symptoms of CVS may include:
- Swelling: You may notice that your ankles or lower legs look swollen or the skin looks tighter than usual.
- Pain: Your legs may ache, throb, or feel heavy. Pain may worsen when you're active and subside when you rest.
- Ulcers: You may have open or crusty sores on your ankles, legs, or feet that never seem to heal.
- Color Change: The skin above your ankles may look brown, red, or yellow if you have CVS. Your skin may also be thicker as a result of the condition.
- Varicose Veins: Varicose veins may also be an issue if you have a problem with the valves in your veins.
- Itching: CVS can cause an annoying itching sensation in your legs.
How is CVS treated?
During your visit to the Limerick, East Stroudsburg, Bethlehem, Philadelphia, or King of Prussia office, your doctor will examine your legs and may recommend a few tests that will help him make a diagnosis. Treatment of CVS varies depending on the cause of the condition but may include:
- Compression Stockings: The stockings apply pressure to your legs, which helps the blood flow back to your heart.
- Sclerotherapy: During sclerotherapy, your doctor closes varicose and spider veins by injecting a special solution into them. Healthier veins then take over for the closed veins.
- Medication: Your interventional radiologist may recommend medications that improve blood flow.
- Surgery: If other treatments are helpful, surgery may be the best option. Although open surgery was once the only way to treat CVS, laser procedures now offer a minimally invasive option.
Don't let chronic venous insufficiency keep you from living a full, active life! Call Pennsylvania Vascular Institute at (800) 296-9294 to schedule your appointment.