Venous valve insufficiency - what is this disease and how to treat it?
If a patient comes to the doctor with complaints of leg swelling, cramps, the appearance of vascular asterisks, phlebologist will necessarily recommend him to undergo Dopplerography of the vessels of the lower extremities. And often in the conclusion you can see the diagnosis “Incompetence of the valve apparatus of veins”. This is a common pathology that must be treated, otherwise it will seriously affect the state of health and well-being.
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What is venous valve failure?
A disorder of the vein valve apparatus is also called venous reflux. To understand why this pathology develops, you need to know how the venous system of the legs is organized. It consists of three types of vessels:
Both in the superficial and deep vessels of the legs there are bicuspid valves. They perform the main function of ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction. Normally, blood moves from the superficial veins to the deep veins, and from the deep veins to the heart. It is pushed upward (contrary to the force of gravity) by contractions of the lower leg muscles. If for some reason the leg muscles do not work (for example, a person stands or sits), the blood does not return to the lower parts, because the valve flaps close and prevent its movement.
Poor valve function leads to backward (retrograde) blood flow, or venous reflux.
- superficial. This is a network of subcutaneous veins located above the muscle fascia;
- deep. They run deep under the fascia - inside the muscles or between them;
- perforant, or communication. These are veins-“bridges” that connect deep vessels with superficial ones and pass through the fascia.
Both in the superficial and deep vessels of the legs there are bicuspid valves. They perform the main function of ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction. Normally, blood moves from the superficial veins to the deep veins, and from the deep veins to the heart. It is pushed upward (contrary to the force of gravity) by contractions of the lower leg muscles. If for some reason the leg muscles do not work (for example, a person stands or sits), the blood does not return to the lower parts, because the valve flaps close and prevent its movement.
Poor valve function leads to backward (retrograde) blood flow, or venous reflux.
What are the dangers of venous reflux?
Blood stasis in valve failure leads to increased pressure - venous hypertension. Because of this, the vessel expands and the closure of the valve flaps is further disturbed, venous reflux increases. Thus a vicious circle is formed. With concomitant vascular diseases (narrowing, thrombosis) valves can almost completely destroy.
Can valve failure be cured?
This disease can have various causes:
Phlebologists select the best options based on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms and comorbidities of the patient. But the cornerstone of treatment for venous valve reflux remains compression therapy (wearing medical stockings or socks).
- congenital “weakness” of the valve apparatus;
- anomalies of vein development;
- leg injuries;
- hereditary predisposition;
- obesity;
- constant standing or sitting (“overloading” of the valves) and others.
Phlebologists select the best options based on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms and comorbidities of the patient. But the cornerstone of treatment for venous valve reflux remains compression therapy (wearing medical stockings or socks).
What compression hosiery is appropriate for venous reflux?
Phlebologists believe that a compression of 20-30 mmHg is necessary for a therapeutic effect. In some cases, higher pressure on the leg tissues is required, so medical compression hosiery is always selected individually in consultation with a doctor.
In case of widespread vein damage, the best solution is medical stockings of the second compression class (23-32 mmHg). They are made of nylon and Lycra (60% and 40% respectively), have a wide elastic band with silicone coating to prevent slipping, as well as reinforced heel and toe areas. A silk sock is included for ease of donning.
In case of widespread vein damage, the best solution is medical stockings of the second compression class (23-32 mmHg). They are made of nylon and Lycra (60% and 40% respectively), have a wide elastic band with silicone coating to prevent slipping, as well as reinforced heel and toe areas. A silk sock is included for ease of donning.
Lauma Medical compression stockings with elastic band and toe can be worn by men and women who do not have toe deformities or excessive sweating of the feet
Lauma Medical compression stockings with elastic band and toe can be worn by men and women who do not have toe deformities or excessive sweating of the feet
Thanks to the creation of graded pressure on the tissues stabilizes blood circulation, reduces fluid stasis and venous hypertension, improves the work of the valve apparatus of the veins, which allows you to slow the progression of the disease and get rid of unpleasant symptoms for a long time.