Venous Insufficiency

Introduction
Venous insufficiency (VI) refers to insufficient working of the veins which interrupts the flow of blood. The inefficiency of veins can lead to damages in many parts of the body. It may even cause death. It is a chronic disease. It does not show its symptoms in its initial stages. It may occur in superficial as well as deep situated veins. This is a long term syndrome affecting vein throughout the body. It is not necessary that if the superficial veins are affected by VI, the deep rooted veins may also be affected. Basically it is a venous problem in legs due to clotting in veins or any other reason which may result in low supply of blood or in severe cases the flow of blood is hindered by some obstacle. As it mostly affects the legs, in rare cases it can cause ulcer in leg veins. Legs are affected the most because they are farthest from the heart and the pressure of blood slows there. Another reason of insufficiency of veins in legs is that the veins in legs have to pump the blood in opposite direction to the gravity of the earth, which is a tough function.

Alternative Names
It was previously known as postthrombic syndrome or postphlebitic syndrome.

Causes
There can be many causes of venous insufficiency. The deep situated VI can be a consequence of cancer in the pelvic area. Deep venous insufficiency is caused by thrombophlebitis and that is why it was previously known as postthrombic syndrome. Some times the valves of the veins are absent in a person which can cause veins to work improperly. The valves remain unable to control the flow of blood. The blood seems to be thicker and bungling. This abnormality in veins causes the venous hypertension, which may later result in high blood pressure problems. Thrombosis is supposed to be the most prominent cause of venous insufficiency. Superficial veins can become enlarged due to venous insufficiency. As a result the blood does not get back to the heart as in normal cases. The heart suffers from lack of blood. When heart does not have the required amount of blood to pump to the lungs, the heart and lungs both can be affected badly. It can be a cause of many other cardiac and pulmonary diseases. In persons suffering from VI the blood does not get back to the heart because of the insufficient veins. This insufficiency can be due to many reasons; may be the valve of the veins are not able to control the one way flow of the blood or the veins become smaller in diameter due to other obstructions in between. It can be due to inheritance from generation to generation.

Risk Factors

Women are seen to be more affected than men.
Older people are at higher risk of falling in the category of VI infected people.
People who have IV in their family history.

Symptoms & Signs
As VI is a long term disease its symptoms are noticed after a while, when it has already taken place. These are some of the symptoms of the venous insufficiency.

Feet and calves may become swollen due to VI.
Tender lumps may appear.
The lumps are bluish in appearance.
Leg ulcer.
Veins become more superficial than before or they bulge out.
Small veins of the leg become enlarged due to pressure.

Diagnosis
IPG can be helpful in diagnosing the venous disease. Ultrasound can also be helpful to evaluate the flow of blood in veins and any obstacles can also be traced. These are the techniques used for diagnosis.

Prevention

Changing positions while working for long periods of time, especially when standing.
Wear stockings which can support your legs.
Don’t wear too tight stocking or socks; it can prevent the proper flow of blood.
Don’t sit with your legs crossed.
Avoid sedentary life style.

Treatment
The treatment of the venous insufficiency can be surgery or medicinal use. Antibiotics are also used in this regard. However it should be treated promptly other wise it can affect the cardiovascular system.

Primary Natural Supplements
Herbs

Horse Chestnut
Butcher’s broom

Minerals

Zinc

Secondary Natural Supplements
Herbs

Gotu Kola

Vitamins

Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Quasi vitamins

Co-Enzyme Q10

Other Natural Supplements

Brome lain

Dietary Guidelines

Don’t eat fried things.
Eat lots of raw vegetables and fresh fruits.
Drink a lot of water to maintain the thickness of blood at a certain level.
Avoid red meat, sugar and caffeine.
Don’t eat rich food; instead have light and easily digested food items in your diet.

Home Care Suggestions
Hot and cold water therapy can be useful in this regard. At least once in a day keep your legs above your rest of body level to have better flow of blood.

Mind/Body Considerations
Exercise is a must in this condition. If you are not able to exercise; try to take long walks everyday.


Contact Us Shipping & Return Policy	Shopping Basket Shop by Store Shop by Brand	About Us Privacy Policy Resources

© Copyright 2005 - 2012 PillPod.com
Statements made, or products sold through this web site, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should carefully read all product packaging and labels. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your medical professional. We are not responsible for incorrect or outdated product descriptions and/or images.