15/09/2023
Are you struggling with swollen feet and ankles? We know what helps
Are you suffering from swollen feet or ankles, leg cramps, a feeling of heaviness or pain in your feet that gets worse when you stand and gets better the moment you lift your legs? If so, it's possible you're struggling with chronic venous insufficiency. If you don't catch this condition in time, its symptoms may worsen. So, what is the right course of action?
What causes swollen feet and ankles?
Swollen legs, feet and ankles are a relatively common problem, especially in older people. It is caused by fluid build-up in these areas and can be caused by standing or sitting in the same position for too long, eating too much salty food, being overweight or taking certain medications. It often appears during pregnancy.
Swollen feet can be a symptom of several diseases, including liver, kidney and lung diseases, insufficient thyroid function or the above-mentioned venous insufficiency.
How does chronic venous insufficiency arise?
First, let's clarify what veins are. A vein is a blood vessel that brings blood to the heart. Over 60% of blood volume is found in the veins. If the elasticity of the veins is weakened and their walls are not strong enough, blood cannot flow smoothly to the heart, so it accumulates in the lower extremities.
The pressure of the blood on the vein walls leads to the veins dilating. Subsequently, the valves in the veins are pulling away from the wall, causing the valves to lose their function. The valves then let the blood through and accumulate it. This condition is called chronic venous disease. According to experts, chronic venous insufficiency occurs in up to 90% of the population over 30 years of age.
What impact does venous insufficiency have on quality of life?
Chronic venous insufficiency has eight levels of severity. In the initial phase, it has a rather cosmetic impact, but a heavy leg feeling may also occur. Gradually other health problems are added, most commonly swelling of the feet and ankles or pain and change in skin pigmentation. Swollen feet weaken the protective function of the skin, which can lead to the development of leg ulcers.
Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
As outlined above, the most common symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency include swollen legs, a feeling of heavy and tired legs, and you may also experience night cramps. These can be alleviated by putting your feet in an elevated position.
There may also be changes in skin condition such as dryness, itching or inflammation, or brown or red discoloration of the skin. The final stage is the formation of leg ulcers.
What are the treatment options?
In case you have noticed symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, you should consult your doctor. Diagnosis may be performed by visual examination, palpation, or by tests to check the blood circulation in the lower limbs.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is an incurable disease, but its development can be alleviated, and symptoms can be significantly improved, resulting in a better quality of life. Treatment can be divided into conservative and surgical.
Conservative treatment
There are two basic options for the conservative treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. These are compression treatment based on wearing medical stockings and the use of medications called venotonics. These drugs eliminate or relieve the symptoms of venous congestion and further enhance the effect of compression treatment.
TIP: VENORUTON
VENORUTON is indicated for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) manifested by tired, painful, and swollen legs. This product stabilizes the vascular wall, improves microcirculation, and reduces vascular permeability. Its use leads to a reduction in leg swelling and associated symptoms, such as the feeling of painful, tired, heavy, and restless legs or leg cramps.
Surgical treatment
In some cases, it is necessary to perform surgical treatment, which is the most radical treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose vein surgery is a relatively common procedure and can usually be performed under local anesthetic without the need for a hospitalization.
How to prevent swollen feet and ankles?
Preventive measures against swollen feet include avoiding risk factors, whether in the form of smoking, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, or insufficient drinking.
You can also reduce the risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency by avoiding high heels and instead reaching for comfortable shoes. Also avoid wearing clothes that are too tight.
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