Venous Insufficiency Specialist
We're So Vain
General Surgeon & Vascular Surgeon located in New London, CT
Your veins are responsible for carrying blood to your heart, but when valves malfunction or other issues inhibit proper blood circulation, you likely have venous insufficiency. Since venous insufficiency can lead to leg cramps, chronic leg pain, and edema, among other issues, board-certified physician Gregory Azia, MD, provides integrative treatments that provide lasting relief at We're So Vain in New London, Connecticut. Use the online booking tool or call the office to book your venous insufficiency evaluation by phone today.
Venous Insufficiency Q & A
What causes venous insufficiency?
Your circulatory system is a complex matrix of hollow tubes that deliver blood to and from your heart. While your arteries send blood from your heart to the rest of your body, your veins carry blood back to your heart.
Blood flows onward with each pump of your heart because one-way valves in your veins prevent the backflow of blood. If these valves stay open too long or don’t function properly, though, blood starts pooling in your veins. This condition is known as venous insufficiency.
Anyone can struggle with venous insufficiency issues. However, the following factors tend to increase your risk:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Varicose veins
- Muscle weakness
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Over the age of 50 yrs. old
- Leg injury or trauma
You may also be prone to developing venous insufficiency if the vein condition runs in your family.
Are there symptoms of venous insufficiency?
Yes. Venous insufficiency leads to a wide range of symptoms. Dr. Azia encourages you to come into We're So Vain anytime you experience any of the following issues:
- Leg or foot ulcers
- Ankle discoloration
- Throbbing pains
- Varicose veins
- Weak legs
- Leg cramps
- Itchiness
Venous insufficiency can also make it feel like your legs are heavy, which can make walking and standing seem like a challenge. If you have any of these issues or know you have a history of venous insufficiency, schedule an appointment at We're So Vain to see how Dr. Azia can help.
How does a doctor treat venous insufficiency?
We're So Vain offers on-site venous insufficiency diagnostic testing, including the duplex ultrasound and venogram. Once Dr. Azia determines why you have venous insufficiency, he counsels you about treatment options, which may include:
- Prescription compression stockings
- Endovenous radiofrequency ablation
- Diuretic medications
- Low-sodium diet
- Sclerotherapy
Dr. Azia also provides vascular surgery options for severe vein issues. For instance, Dr. Azia can perform a ligation procedure to tie off a vein and stop blood flow through the problem vein. Your blood winds up circulating through healthier veins nearby. He may also recommend removing the vein (vein stripping) in more advanced cases of vein damage.
If you struggle with venous insufficiency, contact We're So Vain for an evaluation. Book your venous insufficiency exam online or by phone today.