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Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by inadequate function
of the one-way valves in the veins. These one-way valves keep
the blood in the veins moving in the right direction, towards
the heart. Inadequate valve function causes the veins to become
distended with blood, and this distension further decreases
the ability of the veins to transport the blood upwards towards
the heart. Chronic venous insufficiency can cause edema, pain,
varicose veins, and venous stasis ulcers.
The cornerstone of treatment for chronic venous insufficiency
is external compression. External compression works by pressing
on the tissues and veins, reducing the diameter of the swollen
veins so that the blood inside them can flow more efficiently.
Compression also assists in removing edema from the tissues.
There are various forms of external compression. Medical
compression stockings are specially constructed to apply a
gradient of pressure. Manufacturers have vastly improved these
stockings, and a variety of devices are available to assist
in putting them on.
Non-elastic compressive devices have increased in popularity.
These are applied around the leg with straps to hold them
in place.
Sequential compression devices, such as Lympha
Press Mini, Lympha
Wave, and
Phlebo Press can be especially helpful for
treating chronic venous insufficiency, particularly in cases
where the patient can't walk around. Their active filling
and emptying cycle replicates the effect of normal ambulation,
helps oxygenate the tissues, and removes edema.
Please see our links section
for excellent resources on chronic venous insufficiency.
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