What Causes Venous Disease?
Our blood vessels transport about 7000 liters of blood every day. The veins in our legs carry blood from the lower extremities against gravity back towards the heart. The two most important mechanisms in this process are a calf muscle pump and the Venus valves. During walking and exercising, our calf muscles repeatedly contract and relax. When they contract, they squeeze our veins. This pressure allows blood to flow upwards thereby opening the venous valves.
When inactive the calf muscles relax and the blood starts to flow backwards, thus causing the valves to close tightly and preventing further blood from flowing back to the feet. When veins become insufficient however, they dilate and prevent the valves from closing properly. This in turn causes a reflux which is when the blood leaks downwards and stagnates in the vein. If left untreated, this can result in the appearance of venous disease.
What Are The Symptoms of Venous Disease?
Symptoms of venous disease vary depending on severity and may include itching, swelling cramps, pain, and legs that feel restless or heavy. Meanwhile visible varicose veins can also develop. Untreated varicose veins can cause inflammation of the venous wall and surrounding tissue followed by the appearance of edema. Furthermore, blood cells can leak out of the vein into the surrounding tissue. This results in hyperpigmentation of the skin. The most severe form of untreated varicose veins is an ulcer.
What Are The Risk Factors For Venous Disease?
The major risk factor for venous disease is genetic predisposition. Combined with other factors such as prolonged sitting or standing , obesity, advanced age, or pregnancy.
How Does Compression Therapy Treat Venous Disease?
Compression stockings from Sigvaris are an effective valuable and non-invasive treatment for venous disease. This therapy is based on a simple and efficient mechanical principle. An elastic compression garment exerts graded external pressure – strongest at the ankle and lightest at the top of the stocking. By gently squeezing the veins compression stockings improve the venous blood flow towards the heart thereby treating the edema, relieving the symptoms, and slowing the progression of venous disease.
Together with a healthier lifestyle, compression stockings can help decrease the risk of venous disorders.
Sigvaris compression stockings are available in various colors, styles, and strengths to ensure a more personalized therapy. Sigvaris compression stockings give your legs the attention they deserve.
Schedule your appointment today with Vein Specialists of the Carolinas to have your legs checked and fitted for compression garments that support your veins and suit your lifestyle!
“All We Do Is Veins, All Day Every Day.”