Associated Conditions
Venous insufficiency is when the vein valves are malfunctioning; the blood fails to flow through the veins properly, which causes blood to pool in the veins, especially in the legs and feet. There is a wide spectrum when it comes to venous insufficiency; some people experience minor cases, while others can have problems that lead to more chronic, painful, and even deadly conditions. However, not all vein issues are venous insufficiency, but their symptoms can overlap. Also, a person can suffer from both a venous insufficiency and another vein disorder. Here is a list of associated conditions with veins.
Restless Legs Syndrome
RLS is a condition where a person has the constant, strong urge to move his or her legs, especially in the evenings; it is known to disrupt sleep. This is a neurologic disorder. Many patients with venous insufficiency experience RLS.
Edema
Edema is swelling that occurs from inflammation or injury. With venous insufficiency, edema can occur when there is a blood clot within an inflamed vein. The clot prevents the blood from flowing back properly so an increased pressure occurs, and there’s too much fluid moving from the blood vessels into the tissues.
Stasis Dermatitis
This condition occurs due to pooling of the blood in the veins in the legs from a venous insufficiency. Fluid and blood will leak out of the veins into tissues and the skin. The blood pooling and leaking will lead to inflammation, itching, and discoloration. The skin will develop a tissue-like appearance and can begin to look a brownish/reddish color.
Ulcer
Venous ulcers occur when there is a malfunctioning of the vein. This ulcer is an open sore, and it develops when the blood isn’t being pushed back up to the heart. The pooling blood in the legs causes a lot of pressure and excess fluid to form, which can lead to an ulcer. The ulcer will be painful, may smell, is uneven in shape, and may be surrounded by warm, tight, shiny, discolored skin.
Nighttime Leg Cramps
This condition is always related to a venous disease. Swelling can increase in a person’s legs as the day goes on, so by nighttime there is a lot of fluid to move out of body’s tissues. It can be hard for the veins in the legs to bring the blood back up the body when laying down, because the legs are even with the heart. Leg cramps are known to disrupt sleep.
Orthopedic Leg Pain
Pain or arthritis in the legs, knees or ankles can be caused by or accompanied by a venous disease. People with knee, leg, or ankle pain should have a doctor evaluate them to rule out or diagnose any venous insufficiency. For patients suffering from vein troubles and arthritis, it is best to treat the venous issues first, so all swelling and pain associated with the diseased vein is gone.