How do I recognize a venous circulatory disorder?

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Venous circulatory disorders affect the ability of the veins to transport blood efficiently from the legs to the heart. This can be caused by defective venous valves, blood clots or chronic diseases such as Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) develop. Symptoms such as swelling, varicose veins, pain, numbness and tingling are the first warning signs. In this article, you will learn all about symptoms, causes, diagnosis and modern treatment methods such as VenaSealas well as preventive measures.

What are venous circulatory disorders?

A venous circulatory disorder occurs when the return flow of blood to the heart is impeded. This backflow can lead to increased pressure in the veins, which promotes the development of varicose veins, swelling and, in the long term, skin changes or ulcers.

The most common cause is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which according to studies affects around 10-15% of adults worldwide is diagnosed [1]. Impaired blood flow can also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism [2].

Symptoms of a venous circulatory disorder

Symptoms vary depending on the severity and stage of the disease. If detected early, a venous disorder can be treated effectively to avoid complications.

Early symptoms:

  • Feeling of heaviness and tiredness in the legs: Especially after prolonged standing or sitting.
  • Pain: Usually dull, pulling or pressing, especially in the calves.
  • Swelling: Evening swelling in the ankle area, which decreases overnight, is typical.
  • Tingling or numbness: Insufficient blood drainage can irritate the nerves, which manifests itself in the form of tingling or numbness. This often occurs in the feet or toes.
  • Feeling of coldness in the limbs: Despite normal ambient temperature, the legs or feet feel cold.

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Advanced symptoms:

  • Varicose veins (varicosis): Visible, tortuous veins that are often accompanied by a feeling of tightness or pain.
  • Skin changes: Dark discoloration, thickening or inflammation of the skin, especially around the ankles.
  • Atrophie blanche: White, scar-like areas that indicate a reduced blood supply.
  • Poorly healing wounds(leg ulcers): Chronic ulcers on the lower legs caused by persistent blood stasis.
  • Sudden, severe pain and swelling: May indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and require immediate medical attention.

A comprehensive study by Meissner et al (2007) showed that tingling and numbness occur as early signs in 20% of patients with CVI [3].

Causes and risk factors of venous circulatory disorders

Primary causes:

  • Varicose veins: Most common cause due to defective venous valves.
  • Chronic venous insufficiency(CVI): Progressive disease in which the blood flow is impaired in the long term.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blockage due to blood clots.

Secondary causes:

  • Lack of exercise: Prolonged sitting or standing reduces venous return.
  • Pregnancy: Increased pressure on the veins due to the growing child.
  • Obesity: Strains the leg veins and increases pressure.
  • Smoking: Damages the vascular walls and promotes inflammatory processes.
  • Hormonal changes: For example, due to taking birth control pills.

Risk factors:

  • Age: The risk of venous disorders increases with age.
  • Genetic predisposition: A family history increases the likelihood of varicose veins.

According to a WHO report, 50% of all cases are due to lack of exercise and obesity [4].

Diagnosis of venous circulatory disorders

Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent serious complications. The most important examination methods include

  • Clinical examination: Assessment of visible varicose veins, skin changes and swelling.
  • Doppler and duplex sonography: High-frequency ultrasound to visualize blood flow and detect reflux or thrombosis.
  • Photoplethysmography(PPG): A non-invasive method that measures how quickly the veins empty after movement. Particularly useful for assessing the severity of venous insufficiency.
  • ABI measurement (ankle-brachial index): Test to differentiate between venous and arterial circulatory problems.
  • CEAP classification: Classification of the disease into stages from C0 (no visible signs) to C6 (open ulcer).

A study by Rabe et al. (2016) confirms that the combination of duplex sonography and PPG achieves a diagnostic accuracy of 92 % [5].

Modern therapies for venous circulatory disorders

VenaSeal(vein adhesive):

A minimally invasive method in which a medical adhesive is used to close the defective vein. This leads to the blood being redirected into healthy veins.

Advantages:

  • No need for compression stockings after treatment.
  • Shorter recovery time compared to thermal procedures.
  • High success rate (over 95%) according to Gibson et al. (2017) [6].

Radiofrequency ablation(RFA):

Heat treatment to close the affected vein.

Endovenous laser therapy(EVLA):

Laser energy is used to thermally seal the vein.

Compression therapy:

Promotes venous return and reduces swelling.

Treatment of leg ulcers:

  • Wound care: Cleaning and special wound dressings.
  • Compression therapy: To relieve pressure and support healing.

Prevention of venous circulatory disorders

To minimize the risk, experts recommend

  • Regular exercise: Promotes venous return.
  • Weight control: Reduces the strain on the leg veins.
  • Stop smoking: Protects the blood vessels from inflammation.
  • Keep your legs elevated: Reduces pressure and swelling.
  • Compression stockings: Especially for risk factors such as long journeys or pregnancy.

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When should you see a doctor?

See a vascular specialist urgently if:

  • Sudden, severe pain or swelling in one leg occur in one leg (suspected DVT).
  • Numbness or tingling last longer or become stronger.
  • Poorly healing wounds or skin changes become visible.

Conclusion: VenaZiel – your expert for venous health

Venous circulatory disorders can cause serious complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and modern therapies such as VenaSeal, RFA or EVLA enable effective treatment and a significant improvement in your quality of life.

References:

  • Robertson, L., & Evans, C. (2014). Epidemiology of Chronic Venous Disease. Phlebology.
  • Meissner, M. H., & Gloviczki, P. (2007). Venous Disorders: Pathophysiology and Management. Journal of Vascular Surgery.
  • Gibson, K., & Ferris, B. (2017). Cyanoacrylate Closure for Varicose Veins: Long-Term Results. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
  • World Health Organization (2021). Physical Inactivity and Chronic Diseases.
  • Rabe, E. et al (2016). Clinical Significance of Duplex Ultrasound and PPG in Venous Insufficiency. International Angiology.
  • Wittens, C. et al. (2015). Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Venous Disease. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.
  • Eberhardt, R. T., & Raffetto, J. D. (2014). Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Current Management and Treatment. Circulation.
  • Lurie, F., & Passman, M. A. (2018). Advances in Treatment of Venous Diseases. Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

Contact us VenaZiel Vein Center Berlin for a comprehensive diagnosis and personal consultation!