4 Signs You Should Get Tested for Venous Insufficiency

There are various things that might cause venous insufficiency, but in the majority of cases, it is connected to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Be aware that DVT, which is thought to affect 900,000 Americans annually and is a possible cause of VI, is a serious problem.

Varicose veins can cause venous insufficiency in addition to blood clots caused by DVT. If you have varicose veins, the valves in your veins have already been damaged. As a result, blood returns to the injured valves.

Because this condition can be very painful, you should keep an eye out for any signs. Get a VI test as soon as possible if you experience any of the following venous insufficiency symptoms:

1. Swelling in your legs and ankles
Edema commonly causes ankle or leg swelling. Edema is an inflammatory condition caused by fluid accumulation. It is commonly caused by blood clots, notably those triggered by DVT.

Edema is one of the most common signs of venous insufficiency. Swollen ankles or legs, on the other hand, can be a sign of a variety of different illnesses, including renal and cardiac problems. Therefore, the easiest way to determine the cause of your swelling leg or ankle is to have yourself tested for VI.

2. Bulging veins 
Up to 20% of adults in the United States have varicose veins. Many people who have it view it as just an aesthetic problem. However, the problem is that these obvious, blood-filled, bulging veins might really indicate venous insufficiency. Keep in mind that VI happens when the blood flows improperly and accumulates. Then, because veins fill with blood, varicose veins begin to form. That is already an indication of poor blood circulation.

Even though you shouldn't be concerned when you notice these enlarged veins, it's essential to get examined for VI. particularly if you also have unusual fatigue and discomfort in your legs or other limbs. Severe varicose veins that are not treated risk rupturing. The open wounds or skin ulcers mentioned above may then develop as a result of this.

3. Leg sores that don’t heal 
Leg ulcers are one of the most obvious and painful signs of venous disease. These are wounds that never seem to get better. Even if they were, they would only do so for a little time before returning.

Keep in mind that these open sores have other causes besides poor circulation. Even without venous insufficiency, small wounds in diabetes people can develop into ulcers.

Take note of any open wounds on your leg that enlarge and contain pus as a potential VI symptom. If you also have leg pain and swelling, get medical attention right away.

Fortunately, leg ulcers may be improved with early venous insufficiency treatment before they worsen and become more dangerous. However, you must establish the root of the problem. If venous insufficiency is the problem, a vein test can assist in identifying the cause.

4. Changes to the skin's color and appearance 
Venous insufficiency causes fluid and pressure to accumulate in the veins of your lower legs. The likelihood of blood leaking out of the damaged veins increases with the amount of accumulation. The blood may subsequently flow into the skin if this occurs.

The color, texture, and appearance of the skin on your legs may then alter as a result of the blood leak. But the swelling in your ankles will be the first sign you experience. This disorder can be painful, commonly referred to as venous eczema (or stasis dermatitis).

It's possible that the discomfort and swelling will subside at night as you sleep or relax. However, it will continue throughout the day when you are working. As you move or even just stand still, your legs could feel heavy.

Take it as an indication of VI if the skin around or above your ankles has gone yellow or brown. The color shift might occasionally manifest as reddish skin. Venous eczema can also be identified by thicker ankle skin, both in terms of sensation and appearance.