Project Description
Vein Conditions
Venous Reflux Disease
What is Venous Reflux Disease
What is
Venous Reflux Disease
Venous reflux disease, also known as venous insufficiency, is the underlying cause for the development of varicose veins and associated symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, heaviness, fatigue, and aching. Night-time symptoms include restless legs and leg cramps. Venous reflux occurs when the one-way valves in the leg veins no longer function properly.
Normally, the leg veins carry de-oxygenated blood back to the lungs to become oxygenated again before it circulates to the heart and rest of the body. When the one-way valves become weak and leaky, blood backs up in your leg veins. The backflow of blood is termed, ‘venous reflux.’ The backflow of blood may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins. Most often, venous reflux begins in the superficial leg veins called the great and small saphenous veins. The backflow problem within these veins eventually causes enlargement of surface veins. When the surface veins become swollen and twisted, they are referred to as varicose veins. Symptoms venous reflux can occur with or without visible signs of underlying venous reflux.

Symptoms tend to get worse throughout the day and with prolonged standing. The more you stand, the more gravity causes the blood to pool within the bad veins. For women, symptoms get worse with menstruation and pregnancy because hormones also affect the veins. Your legs may feel better when you elevate the legs, exercise, or use compression stockings, which all lessen the pooling of blood within the veins. Over time, venous reflux disease
Who is at risk?
What are the signs and symptoms of venous reflux disease?
Symptoms of venous reflux disease include:
How Is Venous Reflux Disease Diagnosed?
Since venous reflux disease affects the veins beneath the surface of the skin, ultrasound evaluation is important to see how the leg veins are functioning. Ultrasound can determine if the valves are leaky and if backflow is present and identify which veins are problematic.
How is venous reflux disease treated?
Conservative management such as leg elevation, exercise, compression stockings, ice packs, flavonoid supplements and NSAIDS can be helpful in reducing symptoms. When symptoms worsen or if complications develop, such as skin changes, leg ulceration, spontaneous bleeding from varicose veins and blood clots, then treatment of the underlying venous reflux condition may be recommended. We offer a variety of endovenous (non-surgical) treatment options that can be tailored to the individual.
OUR PATIENTS SAY
Wonderful!! Dr. Bunke and staff are absolutely the best!!
The office is the perfect combination of professionalism,
kindness, efficiency, empathy and expert medical treatment and care.
Dr. Bunke is kind, friendly and so knowledgeable that you feel very comfortable that you will receive excellent treatment.
Dr. Lucas and her staff are incredible. They were so kind and nurturing while I was having the vein procedures. Highly recommend
Anna M. Is the most professional and caring manager I have encountered in the medical industry.