The veins in our legs have many "one-way" valves which allow blood to travel up toward the heart. When you stand, the valves close in order to keep the blood from traveling backwards down the leg.
Sometimes, the valves become damaged and will not close properly. This allows the blood to travel backwards in the direction of gravity. This valve problem is known as venous reflux or venous insufficiency. The symptoms that occur because of the damaged valves are due to the high pressure that develops in the veins as the blood travels backward.
Over time the veins below the bad valves can become dilated and varicosed. This condition always progresses and often leads to complications such as skin damage, chronic leg swelling, blood clots, ulceration and even spontaneous bleeding.
Many people suffer from the symptoms of Venous Insufficiency and are completely unaware of the underlying problem. Symptoms vary from person to person but the following symptoms could indicate venous insufficiency and require the attention of a doctor.
- Leg aching, heaviness and tiredness that is worse at the end of the day
- Leg swelling that is worse at the end of the day
- Leg cramps at night
- Itching
- Restless legs
- Blood clots
- Eczema type skin rash on lower legs
- Leg ulcers
- Spontaneous bleeding
- Occasionally patients experience a burning or numbness in their legs
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Colin E. Bailey. Bailey Cosmetic Surgery and Vein Centre' provides the most comprehensive vein treatment utilizing state-of-the-art care to achieve excellent results.
Dr. Bailey’s goal is to provide his patients with safe, leading edge, minimally invasive vein surgery and cosmetic surgery in a comfortable non hospital setting. Dr. Bailey offers a professional and personal consultation to discuss how he can help you look and feel your best.
Dr. Colin E. Bailey, Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.
Tel: 573-723-1344
- What is phlebology? Phlebology is a branch of medicine that deals with vein disease. The body of knowledge in phlebology has progressed to the point where specialists who are committed to the field can become Board Certified in Phlebology. Prior to the opening of the Bailey Vein Institute there was only one other Board Certified Phlebologist in the state of Hawaii located on Oahu.
- Do all patients with venous insufficiency have varicose veins? NO. Some patients may
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| Hemosiderin Staining |
just have leg swelling that is worse at the end of the day. This chronic leg swelling leads to the development of a brown skin color near the ankle over time. This is known as hemosiderin staining.
- What is a Venous Ultrasound? Venous ultrasound is a sophisticated noninvasive technology that uses sound waves to visualize which valves are abnormal. The exam is painless and also allows the physician to identify blood clots and other abnormalities. The result of this testing allows the physician to tailor treatments to each individual patient. The procedure is performed in the office and takes about 45 minutes.
- Is restless leg syndrome related to venous insufficiency? According to a study by Clint Hayes, M.D. published in the Journal of Phlebology, almost 40% of patients with restless leg syndrome also have venous insufficiency. When their venous insufficiency was treated, symptoms were improved by 80%. Approximately 30% of the patients had no improvement however.
- Can venous insufficiency lead to chronic leg swelling? There are many reasons why people develop chronic leg swelling. Venous insufficiency is a very common underlying cause. Left untreated, this can damage the lymphatic system of the legs, which further exacerbates the leg swelling. Ultimately, the skin becomes damaged and a condition known as stasis dermatitis occurs. In this situation, the skin becomes brown in color and can develop an open ulcer or even become infected. Other things that can lead to chronic leg swelling include blood clots, heart failure and some blood pressure medicines.
- What are venous stasis ulcers? Venous ulcers or stasis ulcers are often the result of long
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| Venus Stasis Ulcers |
standing venous insufficiency (faulty vein valves or reflux). In most cases there is reflux of the saphenous veins and perforating veins. The high pressure within these veins eventually leads to chronic leg swelling, darkening of the skin and ultimately skin breakdown, ulceration and even bleeding. These ulcers are generally near the ankle and are very painful. Dr Bailey was one of the first 11 physicians in the country to use the revolutionary VNUS radiofrequency perforator closure system and has taught many other physicians how to use the device.
- Can I be cured of my predisposition to develop venous insufficiency? Venous Insufficiency can be treated but the patient cannot be cured of the genetic propensity to develop reflux. Therefore as the patient ages it is possible that reflux or venous insufficiency will develop in other veins.
- What are reticular veins? Reticular veins are often seen as blue-green veins under the skin. They can become large and unsightly and may lead to the development of spider veins. Some patients may experience tenderness, burning and itching in the legs.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Colin E. Bailey. Bailey Cosmetic Surgery and Vein Centre' provides the most comprehensive vein treatment utilizing state-of-the-art care to achieve excellent results.
Dr. Bailey’s goal is to provide his patients with safe, leading edge, minimally invasive vein surgery and cosmetic surgery in a comfortable non hospital setting. Dr. Bailey offers a professional and personal consultation to discuss how he can help you look and feel your best.
Dr. Colin E. Bailey, Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.
Tel: 573-723-1344
Dr. Colin E. Bailey, Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. 