How Serious Is Venous Inefficiency

Blog Post
By BASS Vein Center
How Serious Is Venous Inefficiency
October 19, 2023

Vein insufficiency is the inability of the veins in the legs to efficiently return blood to the heart. The result can be symptoms such as swelling, pain, and varicose veins in the legs. Furthermore, it can increase the risk of blood clots and other complications.

The degree of danger associated with venous inefficiency depends on the stage you are at. This article discusses the seriousness of venous inefficiency based on the different stages and the complications it can cause.

Understanding the Stages of Venous Inefficiency

It is usually possible to classify venous insufficiency into four stages, based on the severity of the condition and the presence of specific symptoms. These stages are:

Stage 1: Mild varicose veins

The earliest stage of venous insufficiency is mild varicose veins, which appear on the legs as small, visible, swollen, twisted blood vessels, usually in blue or dark purple color. Typically, at this stage, your veins may appear slightly elevated or bulging. The symptoms may be mild at this point, such as faint heaviness or aching in the legs. 

Having varicose veins is hereditary, and if you have a family member with it, your chances of getting them are higher. Pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing and sitting, and increased age can also contribute to this condition.

Mild varicose veins don't pose an immediate health risk. In spite of the fact that varicose veins are usually a cosmetic issue at this stage, you should still consult with your physician to rule out any underlying conditions and prevent the condition from progressing further. You may be recommended to do certain exercises and maintain a healthy weight by your doctor in order to fix mild varicose veins.

Stage 2: Moderate varicose veins

Moderate varicose veins are characterized by more prominent and larger varicose veins on the legs. They are likely to be swollen and bulging, and they may be tender or painful. In this stage, legs may feel achy, crampy, or fatigued after prolonged standing or sitting. You might also notice swelling in the legs at the end of the day.

You should talk to your doctor about moderate varicose veins if you feel heaviness and fatigue in your legs, skin discoloration near the veins, or open sores around the affected area. The majority of moderate varicose veins are not immediately harmful, but over time, they can become more serious.

Stage 3: Severe varicose veins 

The third stage of venous insufficiency is severe varicose veins, also known as advanced varicose veins.  A severe case of varicose veins means the valves and walls of the veins have been damaged, putting extra pressure on the veins. Symptoms may include swelling and pain caused by very prominent varicose veins on the legs.

You might also notice skin changes such as discoloration, thickening, or scaling as well as ulcers (open sores) on the legs.

A variety of factors can cause severe varicose veins, including those that cause mild and moderate varicose veins. At this stage, the blood can pool in the legs, leading to serious complications that may need immediate treatment.

Stage 4: Chronic venous insufficiency

The condition of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by a slow and progressive reduction of blood flow to the body. This is the most severe form of venous insufficiency.

In CVI, the valves in the veins malfunction, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction. In this situation, blood can pool in the legs, increasing pressure and damaging the veins.

Skin discoloration, swelling, aching, and cramping are some of the symptoms of CVI. There are a number of possible treatments for this condition, including compression stockings that apply gentle pressure to the legs to improve blood flow and reduce swelling, as well as medications that can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. Depending on your doctor's recommendation, you may also need to lose weight, exercise, and elevate your legs while sitting or sleeping. Severe cases may also require surgery to remove or repair the affected veins.

Dangerous Complications of Venous Insufficiency

Untreated venous insufficiency can result in a number of dangerous complications, including:

  • Skin ulcers: Venous insufficiency can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to increased pressure on the skin. This can cause the skin to break down, leading to the development of ulcers (open sores) on the legs. These ulcers can be painful and may take a long time to heal.
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis: The term superficial thrombophlebitis refers to the appearance of a blood clot in a vein just under the skin. In most cases, this happens in a leg vein but can happen anywhere in the body. It typically presents as a swollen, tender, red cord or lump along the vein, with a high level of pain when touched or moved. There can also be fever, chills, and a general feeling of unwellness. 
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, usually in the thigh or lower leg. It is possible for the clot to break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which might lead to life-threatening situation.
  • Cellulitis: Skin changes caused by venous insufficiency make the legs susceptible to infection. Cellulitis infection is a skin condition caused by bacteria that can cause redness, warmth, and pain.

Whenever you suspect you may have venous insufficiency, you should consult a doctor in order to find the best treatment options and prevent the condition from progressing. BASS Vein Center is here to meet all of your vascular needs. We can determine the severity of your venous inefficiency condition and whether you need immediate treatment. If you’d like to learn more about what we do or you’d like to schedule an appointment, call us at (925) 281-5912.

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