27 Jul “What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Venous Insufficiency?”

How often have you found yourself popping open the Ibuprofen instead of dialing your physician’s phone number?

While we’ve all likely done as much at one time or another — though hopefully not with the larger medical concerns — that’s probably the most important part of being able to care for your own health:

Knowing when it’s time to ask for help.

Why Some Might Not Seek Treatment

We understand: Healthcare can be not only frightening to tackle head-on, but potentially costly to have to budget for if you weren’t previously expecting a new diagnosis. In some cases, it’s downright easier to bury your head in the sand and wait to see whether or not the issue resolves itself.

In fact, those are two of the most common reasons some have cited a lack of desire to seek medical treatment.

According to a study performed in 2015, participants largely reported that they voluntarily left their conditions untreated because they…

• Expected their illness or symptoms to improve over time without treatment.
• Faced traditional financial barriers, such as lack of health insurance.
• Or turned away from “unfavorable” medical care as it pertained to their physicians or health care organizations.

Venous insufficiency, however, is not the sort of medical diagnosis you want to turn a blind eye to. And, if you were considering “waiting it out” for the foreseeable future, here’s what you need to know about untreated venous insufficiency …

Cutting To The Chase

Venous insufficiency is, by definition, when the intravenous circulation within the body functions improperly. As the blood stagnates, swelling, pain, and skin discoloration are among the common and notable symptoms you’ll likely recognize.

Thus, without treatment, the pressure that generates swelling will continue to worsen, leading not only to increased pain and discomfort, but possible “[hemorrhages], superficial thrombophlebitis, and progressive skin changes that may ultimately lead to ulceration,” research shows.

Put simply, the condition will intensify. Plus, according to Doctor Robert Weiss of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, failure to treat venous insufficiency could even be deadly.

“Untreated venous insufficiency in the deep or superficial system causes a progressive syndrome (chronic venous insufficiency [CVI]),” Weiss reported to Medscape. “In addition to poor cosmesis, CVI can lead to chronic life-threatening infections of the lower extremities. Pain, especially after ambulation, is a hallmark of the disease.”

Relieving the Pressure

If you’re ready and willing to seek treatment for your venous insufficiency, Duval Vascular Center is on your side. Whatever your needs, your health is our priority.

Not only do we accept most medical insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, but we also promise to always collaborate with your healthcare providers to tailor a treatment plan that best suits your needs!

If you’re ready to schedule your FREE vein screening and begin your journey to better venous health, contact us today by calling (904) 518-1398!