HOW DO YOU CURE CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY COMPLETELY?

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common disorder of the veins. In such a condition, pain and swelling occur in the legs because the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart. Consequently, the leg veins swell due to pooling (backup) of blood in the leg veins. In the absence of proper treatment, chronic venous disease can lead to severe leg ulcers.

Erection problems in men are a common complication of CVI. If you also face this condition very often or every time you want to be with your partner, consult your doctor for impotence treatment.

What are the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency?

Symptoms of CVI may include-

• Pain and swelling in the legs
• Varicose veins
• Skin discoloration (redness)
• Spider veins

The pain may be worse at the end of the day and after long periods of standing. Moreover, if the veins deep in the legs are blocked, fluid may collect in the tissues and cause swelling (edema). The leg edema results from changes to the valves and vein walls. This condition is called edema or lipodermatosclerosis.

In addition to this, skin changes include discoloration (redness), sores (ulcers), which may bleed and cause stasis dermatitis.

What causes chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs due to the damage to one or more valves in a vein. It can happen because of any condition that obstructs venous blood flow. This obstruction typically affects the superficial veins on the legs and thighs, causing increased pressure within these veins. As a result, the increased pressure causes chronic swelling of the legs (edema), pain, and pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) of the skin.

Doctors believe that the obstruction in the vein usually takes place by damage to one or more valves within the vein. It can occur due to any condition, which disturbs blood flow.

Lack of sufficient blood flow to the male organ is one of the causes of ED. If you are also facing a weak erection, reach out to your doctor for impotence treatment.

CVI may occur due to damage to the vein in patients who have undergone surgery in the lower extremities, especially if they are overweight or pregnant.

• Obesity

Obesity is an example of a condition that can cause CVI by reducing blood flow through veins. The veins within fat tissues cannot contract efficiently. It makes it harder for the valves to function properly and maintain a forward flow of blood through the veins.

• Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause CVI due to the weight of the uterus on the inferior vena cava. It is the largest vein in the body and the ovarian vein, which reduces blood flow. Moreover, it can also happen due to increased pressure within the abdomen through the enlarging uterus. It eventually accelerates pressure in superficial leg veins, which causes weak valves that are unable to open properly.

In addition to these causes, other conditions, which predispose patients to CVI are as follows-

• Previous trauma or surgery
• Advanced age
• Compromised immune systems, resulting from disorders such as cancer and diabetes

How is CVI diagnosed?

It is vital to diagnose CVI correctly. Your doctor may effectively treat your condition with the appropriate management strategies. However, diagnosis involves a comprehensive physical examination by a medical practitioner. It includes an assessment of both the patient’s clinical symptoms and the appearance of their lower limbs.

You and your doctor must know what is causing you a weak erection. As ED can be one of the severe complications of CVI, diagnosing and ruling out the ultimate cause is crucial. It may help with your CVI and impotence treatment.

• Diagnostic imaging

Diagnostic imaging is another vital component in diagnosing chronic venous insufficiency. It can show the extent of any damage to the valves within veins. Nevertheless, doctors do not conduct this test routinely. It is not essential for most patients with CVI.

• Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive method. It uses sound waves to assess the blood flow in veins and arteries. This ultrasound measures any damage or obstruction to the valves to determine if they are functioning properly. It will indicate the extent of venous disease.

This test can often assess the veins in the legs. Moreover, doctors can do it at any stage of CVI. It is usually repeated every year or two to monitor the progression of the disease over time.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another method for assessing damaged valves within veins. However, it requires an intravenous (IV) injection of a dye. It is unpleasant and expensive. It is not essential on a routine basis. Nevertheless, it may be needed if there is confusion surrounding the diagnosis of CVI.

How is CVI treated?

There are several treatment options for venous insufficiency. Moreover, different methods can work alone or in combination with other options. The appropriate treatment strategy may depend on the severity of a patient’s condition, their age, and any co-existing health conditions they may have. Above all, receiving CVI treatment on time is vital. There are many severe complications of chronic venous insufficiency, including erection problems. Nevertheless, if you have ED, look for an impotence treatment today. Ignorance of the condition can lead to adverse effects.

Treating existing health problems

Treating the co-existing health conditions may also assist in preventing the further progression of venous disease. Moreover, it may also improve the symptoms associated with the existing health problems. It includes-

• Diabetes (poor glucose control)
• Obesity (weight loss)
• Vascular disease (smoking cessation)
• Infection (antibiotic treatment)
• Heart failure (treatment with diuretic medications)

Compression stockings

Compression stockings can improve circulation by creating pressure on the leg muscles. Consequently, it leads to increased flow of blood back towards the heart. The compression should be strong enough to prevent blood pooling in the legs. However, you should not use them too strongly. It can cut off circulation entirely.

Compression stockings need to be worn every day, even during sleep, and should be fitted correctly by someone who is experienced with them. Moreover, a specialist or pharmacist can also provide advice about the most appropriate style of compression stocking for CVI management.

Surgery

Surgery for chronic venous insufficiency involves one or more techniques to improve venous return by opening up or bypassing clogged or damaged veins. The following approaches are used in managing CVI-

• Thrombectomy

Thrombectomy involves the use of a catheter. Experts insert it into a femoral vein (in the groin) or cephalic vein (in the arm). Under x-ray guidance, it is passed up to the area of blockage in veins. It involves opening up these blocked areas with balloons or mechanical devices.

If you are undergoing impotence treatment, tell your doctor before undergoing any surgical option.

• Endoscopic surgery

Doctors may use endoscopic surgery for larger blockages or damaged valves. It involves placing catheters into the groin. They are passed up to the affected vein area under x-ray guidance. It allows the destruction of these blocked areas with heat, chemicals, or radiofrequency.

• Laser surgery

Laser surgery can sometimes help with the management of CVI. It involves using a laser to treat damaged valves. This surgery is known as phlebolasty. Moreover, it uses a special needle. The surgeon inserts this special into veins under x-ray guidance. Consequently, a laser fiber is passed through this needle to disrupt the valve. It allows blood flow to return towards the heart.

• Venous stripping

Venous stripping (surgical removal) can also help with CVI management. It involves the ligation (tying up) of a vein above and below a varicose vein. This ligation makes it shrink and close off. As a result, it leads to the reopening of other veins in the area.

It is uncommon for symptoms from CVI to completely resolve after the surgery. However, patients can see improvements in symptoms post-surgery.

People with CVI have a reduced quality of life. Moreover, it can be difficult to cope at work, school, or home. In these cases, support from a psychologist can assist in empowering the patient to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. A specialist physiotherapist or occupational therapist may also provide advice about tips. They may make everyday tasks easier and more manageable.

Counseling is also an impotence treatment. Doctors recommend it when a weak erection in men results due to a psychological problem.

Early diagnosis and treatment of CVI can improve symptoms and prevent complications from developing. Moreover, it is significant, as people with severe symptoms may not maintain work or educational commitments. As a result, they become socially isolated or experience severe pain and discomfort due to their condition.

What are the home treatments for chronic venous insufficiency?

You can improve your condition with home treatments, such as the following-

• Elevating the legs
• Putting on compression stockings
• Using ice packs

If you have pain, use pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Moreover, do not drink alcohol while treating the symptoms. It puts more strain on the damaged veins.

Can CVI cause impotence?

Impotence is a common complication of chronic venous insufficiency in the lower extremity. The patient experiences pain, color change, and trophic changes in the skin of the leg, which are all serious vascular risk factors for ED. In addition, patients with chronic venous disease may complain of many symptoms that can be confused with other conditions. Therefore, the presence of a thorough medical evaluation is needed before a diagnosis can be established and appropriate treatment given.

If you face difficulty maintaining and sustaining your firmness during intercourse, consult your doctor for impotence treatment without any delay.

Are there any studies that show the relation between CVI and ED?

The link between chronic venous insufficiency in the leg and ED has been studied in many cases, with variable results. In some studies, there was indeed a relationship between these two conditions. However, in other studies, researchers found no relationship between chronic venous insufficiency and ED. It can be because the researchers did not find a link between these two conditions. Moreover, it can also be because they found a link only in men with severe ED.

In recent years, several publications have studied the relationship between chronic venous insufficiency and impotence in detail. Men with impotence tend to be older, more obese, and their condition is often associated with other related cardiovascular risk factors such as type II diabetes. Therefore, it may not be possible to separate the effects of chronic venous insufficiency on sexual function from the other risk factors associated with age, obesity, and diabetes.

How can you prevent CVI?

• Prevent hypercoagulation (increased blood clotting) by taking aspirin, vitamin E, and fish oil supplements.
• Balance high hematocrit (volume percentage of red blood cells) with adequate fluid intake to maintain constant volume without increasing pressure in capillaries and arterioles.

Along with implementing these measures, ask your doctor for more initiatives if you are undergoing impotence treatment.

• Take folic acid (vitamin B9) supplements to stimulate blood flow in veins and prevent hypercoagulation.
• Use compression stockings to improve venous drainage when standing for long periods, which reduces the risk of varicose veins and chronic edema.

Be sure to consult with a doctor if pain, skin changes, or ulcerations appear.

• Exercise regularly and perform lower extremity muscle contractions to promote drainage of venous blood.
• Avoid long periods of sitting and standing in place.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
• Take adequate rest periods during long periods of standing; sit when possible, especially when performing work that requires fine motor skills (typing).
• Avoid lying down for long periods if venous insufficiency symptoms are present.
• If varicose veins are present, elevate legs above heart level to reduce swelling and make standing more comfortable.
• Use ice packs to ease pain and irritation.
• You may also use compression stockings to relieve pain and discomfort. However, do not put them on while sleeping.
• Use an elastic stocking on the affected leg(s) to reduce swelling and pain.
• Improve the circulation in the legs and feet by massaging them for 5-10 minutes every day with a warm and wet towel.

Improving your blood circulation can also support your impotence treatment.

• Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine, which can trigger or aggravate symptoms of venous insufficiency.
• Use a foam doughnut or special ring cushion under the foot of bedsheets at night to keep pressure off affected veins while sleeping.
• Take a warm bath or shower with baking soda added to improve circulation and relieve pain from varicose veins.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and decrease salt intake.
• Take vitamin C and quercetin supplements, both of which can improve symptoms associated with venous insufficiency.
• Stop smoking to improve arterial and vein health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of skin changes associated with venous insufficiency.