Learn about the different types of Saphenous Vein Problems and why they happen
Where is the great saphenous vein located?
The saphenous vein, sometimes referred to as the great saphenous vein or GSV, is the longest vein the human body, extending from the top of your foot to the upper thigh and groin area. Much like other veins, problems may occur with the GSV.
There are essentially two things that can go wrong with the GSV, development of a blood clot and saphenous vein reflux.
Development of a blood clot
The first problem that can occur with the saphenous vein is the development of a blood clot. This in turn leads to thrombosis or the valves in the vein fail, leading to pooling of blood, a condition known as venous incompetence or chronic vein insufficiency.
Most blood clots in the GSV are caused by one of three conditions:
- Long periods of inactivity
- A boost to the activity of the blood’s clotting system, typically caused by illness or changes to the immune system
- An injury to the vascular system
How to identify blood clots in the GSV
Blood clots in the GSV may be identified if the area feels warm, tender, there is an aching feeling, or sometimes swelling. While blood clots themselves aren’t life threatening, they can lead to pulmonary embolism, where a chunk of the clot breaks off and goes to the lung, where it may become lodged and create a life threatening condition.
Greater Saphenous Vein clot treatment
Blood clots in the saphenous vein, or GSV, may be treated with a combination of careful management, compression, and mobilization. Bandages and
compression stockings can help to clear a blood clot, along with carefully regimented exercise. Treatment for blood clots can also include the use of drugs, typically the taking of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anticoagulants. If the patient doesn’t take to those treatments, surgery may be used.
Saphenous vein incompetence
Your veins include a series of valves whose function it is to direct and control the flow of blood back towards the heart. In cases of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), your valves may weaken or fail, resulting in blood pooling in the legs instead of pumping back to the heart. The GSV is particularly at risk of having blood flow backwards from the heart to your ankles. This then leads to the stretching of smaller veins, leading to the development of
varicose veins or
spider veins.
Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
Symptoms of CVI include visible varicose veins or spider veins, sore legs, tenderness, tiredness, swelling, or visible red or brown patches.
How do you treat saphenous vein reflux?
Treatments for saphenous vein incompetence may include:
- Non-surgical radiofrequency ablation
- Laser ablation
- Chemical ablative methods using body-friendly foam or glue
- Mechanical ablation using a small device
- Traditional open surgery
The treatment selected will depend on the patient’s conditions and requirements.
Vein Treatment San Diego
If you are having leg pain or think you have leg vein issues, consult with the
leg vein treatment professionals at Kafri Wellness Clinic first. We have over 25+ years of experience working with patients. We also take into consideration a cardiovascular approach towards your treatment to give you as much insight into your health as possible.
Contact us today!
