Home care: Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is characterized by a decrease in a return of blood to the heart caused by a poorly functioning venous system. The most common symptoms are:

• Heavy legs;
• Tingling or prickling sensation in the lower limbs;
• Muscle cramps;
• Superficial varicose veins;
• Swelling (edema) of the ankles, especially at the end of the day;
• Leg sores that won’t heal.

If you think your loved one may be suffering from venous insufficiency, it is important to see a doctor to have the state of his or her veins evaluated. If the diagnosis is positive for venous insufficiency, there are many at-home treatments that can prevent the progression of the illness and treat some of its symptoms. These are as follows:

• Promote blood flow by avoiding being stationary and by moving as much as possible;
• Frequently raise the legs during the day and sleep with legs elevated above the level of the head.
• Avoid exposing legs to intense heat (hot baths, saunas, extended sunbathing, etc.);
• Regularly refresh the legs with a cool shower or bath;
• Wear compression stockings and flat shoes (no high heels).

Venous insufficiency can lead to complications. The most common are varicose veins and varicose ulcers. In some cases, the illness can also cause phlebitis, the formation of a blood clot in the vein, which partially or completely blocks blood flow. If the clot detaches from the vein wall, it can also travel to the pulmonary arteries and cause a pulmonary embolism. That’s why it’s important to take this ailment seriously.

To learn more, download the Uniprix health pamphlet on this topic at http://www.uniprix.com/bienvenue/sante/guides.php. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice.

Marie-Soleil Beaulieu
Uniprix-affiliated pharmacist
marie-soleil.beaulieu@uniprix.com

Coming next month:
Medicine Cabinet: Time for the big clean-up!