Dealing with Venous InsufficiencyTreatment for venous insufficiency usually includes a complete holistic approach to the problem. It is necessary for the patient's general health to be accessed and systemic disorders must be identified and controlled as much as possible. Systemic disorders could include diabetes, anemia, and cardiac failure.
Risk factors for developing venous insufficiency (inadequate venous function) and ultimately a venous ulcer include varicose veins, deep venous disease, incompetent perforating veins, and post-thrombotic syndrome. The patient usually has a non-healing ulcer of the inner aspect of the distal leg or ankle area, but it can present itself in other areas as well. There is often a brown discoloration of the skin as well as some swelling, pain, and sometimes dry, itchy skin. Large varicose veins are usually but not always present.
Successful Treatment for Venous Insufficiency
As with other conditions, such as lymphedema, successful treatment for venous insufficiency is dependent upon a couple of factors. First, it is important that the local wound is treated and healed immediately, and that the underlying problem is identified and corrected if at all possible. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed to kill any infection and topical steroids are used for the skin irritation.
The leg may also be wrapped in compression bandages to keep down the swelling. It is vitally important that the patient continue to wear compression stockings with a gradient support in order to keep swelling down and prevent future venous ulcers from happening. If the patient follows these guidelines for care of the ulcer, he or she should be able to live an ulcer-free future.
