Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where the leg veins cannot return blood to the heart properly, so blood pools in the lower leg and causes swelling, heaviness and skin changes. Chronic venous insufficiency treatment in Amman is based on compression and skin care, then treating the faulty veins when needed after a Doppler diagnosis.
Note: If one leg suddenly becomes swollen and painful, or you have shortness of breath or chest pain, go to the emergency department immediately.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop slowly and may include:
- Swelling of the ankle and lower leg that is worse by the end of the day.
- Heavy, aching or tired legs.
- Visible varicose veins.
- Itchy, dry or inflamed skin on the leg.
- Brown discoloration or hardening of the skin near the ankle.
- An open wound near the ankle in advanced cases, called a venous leg ulcer.
Causes
Venous insufficiency happens when the vein valves weaken or are damaged, so blood flows back and pressure rises in the leg veins. Causes and risk factors include:
- Varicose veins and weak valves in the surface veins.
- A previous deep vein clot that damaged the valves.
- Getting older and family history.
- Being overweight.
- Little movement, or standing or sitting for long periods.
- Several pregnancies.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with questions about your symptoms and health history, especially any previous clots, followed by an examination of your legs and skin.
Your doctor may request a Doppler ultrasound to find the faulty veins and the direction of blood flow. Your foot pulses may be checked, or artery tests requested, before strong compression is used, to make sure the arterial circulation is adequate.
Treatment options
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and protect the skin, starting with the simplest options:
Venous insufficiency is a long-term condition that needs follow-up. The right treatment depends on your examination, the cause and your general health.
- Lifestyle changes: regular walking, raising your legs when resting, ankle exercises and keeping a healthy weight.
- Skin care: moisturising dry skin, avoiding scratching, and seeing your doctor about any inflammation.
- Medical compression stockings or bandages: a cornerstone of treatment, chosen by your doctor once the arteries have been checked.
- Treating faulty surface veins with non-surgical methods such as laser, radiofrequency or injections, when suitable.
- Surgery or other vein procedures in selected cases.
What to expect on the day and after
If you need a vein procedure, it is usually done under local anaesthetic and you go home the same day. Compression and skin care continue as part of daily life.
- Wear your compression stockings as your doctor advises.
- Keep walking and doing ankle exercises.
- Many patients find symptoms and swelling improve gradually.
- See your doctor regularly to check your skin and veins.
- How quickly things improve varies, and your doctor will explain what to expect.
When to book an appointment
- Ongoing leg swelling.
- Darkening or hardening of the skin near the ankle.
- Repeated itching or inflammation of the leg skin.
- A wound on the lower leg that will not heal.
- Redness, warmth and increasing pain in the leg, which needs prompt medical care.