Venous reflux or insufficiency is a condition in which the valves of the veins do not work properly and blood escapes backwards. Normally, these valves allow blood to flow in one direction and help pump blood upwards against gravity. When the valves are damaged, blood flows backwards and pools in the legs. This leads to varicose veins. In other words, venous insufficiency is the basis for the formation of a serious varicose vein.

Diagnosis Methods

1. Examination:
   

   • The doctor assesses symptoms such as swelling, discoloration, thinning of the skin or ulcers on the legs.

2. Doppler Sonography:
   

   • Using sound waves, the blood flow in the vein is examined and checked for reflux.

3. Venography:
   

   • A contrast agent is injected to visualize the blood flow in the vessels with X-rays.

Color doppler ultrasonography is the method of choice in our clinic for the detection of venous insufficiency, which has no side effects and is non-invasive.

What Should Be Done?

1. Lifestyle Changes:
   

   • Regularly exercising
   • Elevating legs
   • Staying in healthy weights
   • Avoiding long stands and long sittings

2. Compression Treatment:
   

   • Using compression stockings: These socks apply pressure to legs healing the blood flow.

3. Medical Treatments:
   

   • Laser TreatmentThe varicose veins are closed by being exposed to laser beams.
   • Radiofrequency Ablation:By usinng radiofrequency waves the varicose veins are heated and closed.
   • Medical Glue Treatment:The varicose veins are closed by injecting medical glue agent.

4. Surgery:
   

   • Stripping:Varicose veins are removed with surgical methods.
   • Flebectomy:Varicose veins are removed by small insicions.

The appropriate treatment method for each patient varies depending on the severity of varicose veins, general health and lifestyle. It is therefore important for people experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency or reflux to consult a vascular surgeon or phlebologist.