Don’t take risks with your health !

Venous Insufficiency – a widespread disease that goes unrecognized

( 9 out of 10 adults are affected; 1 in 5 women & 1 in 6 men already suffer from chronic disease)

Anyone can experience vein problems. Standing or sitting for long periods at work or travel, pregnancy, genetic predisposition as well as unhealthy lifestyles increase your risk of becoming seriously ill.

Use this checklist to see if this is something you should be concerned about:

  • Do your legs often feel heavy and tired; do you experience cramps or an uncomfortable prickling feeling?


    YES


    NO

  • Is there a history of venous disorders in your family?


    YES


    NO

  • Are you or have you ever been pregnant or do you take birth control pills?


    YES


    NO

  • Do your legs already have changes in appearance (spider veins, varicose veins, skin discoloration, eczema)?


    YES


    NO

  • Are you overweight?


    YES


    NO

  • Do you smoke?


    YES


    NO

  • Do you sit, stand or do heavy lifting at work or at home?


    YES


    NO

  • Do you exercise less than twice a week?


    YES


    NO

Your risk increases with each YES answer. Do your legs a favor & take early symptoms & risk factors seriously – talk with your doctor! Then call us…we’ll find the correct Bauerfeind product that will help you relieve or prevent venous problems as per your doctor’s prescription.

We are fully trained & certified compression therapy fitters – we measure your legs so you get a perfect-fitting compression stocking (knee-hi, thigh-hi or pantyhose) that works & feels like a 2nd skin. Made of knitted fabric with roughly 50% microfibre (breathable & moisture-wicking; easy to put on & take off.) Just as attractive & comfortable to wear as every day fashion socks, stockings & pantyhose! Choose from this season’s high-fashion color collection!

ATHLETES! Socks to enhance performance & improve endurance are also available. Stabilizes muscles, prevents blisters from forming and helps legs to recover quickly.


Medical compression stockings by Bauerfeind– the more comfortable path to healthy legs.

Motion is life: www.bauerfeind.com


What is venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart.

See also:

  • Deep venous thrombosis
  • Stasis dermatitis and ulcers
  • Varicose veins

Causes

Venous insufficiency is caused by problems in one or more deeper leg veins. Normally, valves in your veins keep your blood flowing back towards the heart so it does not collect in one place. But the valves in varicose veins are either damaged or missing. This causes the veins to remain filled with blood, especially when you are standing.

The condition may also be caused by a blockage in a vein from a clot (deep vein thrombosis).

Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition. It occurs because of partial vein blockage or blood leakage around the valves of the veins.

Risk factors for venous insufficiency include:

  • History of  deep vein thrombosis in the legs
  • Genetic Factors
  • Standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time in one place
  • Age
  • Being female (related to levels of the hormone progesterone)
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy

Symptoms

  • Dull aching, heaviness, or cramping in legs
  • Itching and tingling
  • Pain that gets worse when standing
  • Pain that gets better when legs are raised
  • Swelling of the legs

People with chronic venous insufficiency may also have:

  • Redness of the legs and ankles
  • Skin color changes around the ankles
  • Varicose veins on the surface (superficial)
  • Thickening and hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles (lipodermatosclerosis)
  • Ulcers on the legs and ankles

Treatment (always consult with your doctor)

Take the following steps to help manage venous insufficiency:

  • Use compression stockings to decrease chronic swelling (as per your doctor)
  • Avoid long periods of sitting or standing. Even moving your legs slightly will help the blood in your veins return to your heart.
  • Care for wounds aggressively if any skin breakdown or infection occurs.

Surgery ( varicose vein stripping) or non-invasive treatments for varicose veins may be recommended by your doctor if you have:

  • Leg pain, often described as heavy or tired
  • Skin ulcers or sores caused by poor blood flow in the veins

We measure and fit you for Bauerfeind products distributed by the Canadian Distributor Galien (compression stockings , pantyhose , supports, and  orthoses) that are manufactured in Germany.  These medical compression stockings and pantyhose and braces will have to be prescribed by your doctor.  Please call to discuss.  I have a prescription sheet for you to take to your doctor so he/she can prescribe the correct compression therapy item for you.  Bring it back to us and we will measure your legs for the right compression stocking, pantyhose or.  Most extended medical companies will cover the cost.  Please check with your insurance company beforehand.