Understanding Venous Reflux Disease
Venous reflux, also known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), is the medical condition where the one-way valves inside the leg veins fail to close properly after blood passes through them. Instead of flowing upward toward the heart, blood flows backward (refluxes) and pools in the lower leg veins. This increased venous pressure is the root cause of varicose veins, leg swelling, skin changes and venous ulcers.
At Dr. Raja's Vein & Intervention Clinic in Bathinda, venous reflux is diagnosed with a Colour Doppler ultrasound and treated with advanced minimally invasive methods that permanently address the underlying valve failure.
What Causes Venous Reflux?
Venous reflux develops when the delicate valves inside the superficial or deep veins of the legs weaken, stretch or become damaged. Several factors contribute:
- Prolonged standing or sitting: Teachers, doctors, shopkeepers, security guards and drivers are at high risk
- Heredity: A family history of varicose veins or vein disease significantly increases your risk
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy weaken vein valves
- Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure within the venous system of the legs
- Ageing: Vein walls lose elasticity and valve function weakens with age
- Previous DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis): Clots can permanently damage valves
Signs and Symptoms of Venous Reflux
Venous reflux can range from mild to severe. Recognise these warning signs early:
Worse after standing for long hours, relieved by elevating legs
Twisted, bulging blue or purple veins visible under the skin
Puffiness that increases toward evening and reduces overnight
Brownish or reddish pigmentation near the ankle (lipodermatosclerosis)
Persistent itching or burning near the lower calf or ankle area
Non-healing wounds near the inner ankle in advanced cases
Stages of Venous Reflux (CEAP Classification)
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| C0 | No visible signs — only symptoms like heaviness or aching |
| C1 | Spider veins (telangiectasias) — tiny red or blue vessels |
| C2 | Varicose veins — enlarged, twisted, visible bulging veins |
| C3 | Oedema — swelling of the ankle and lower leg |
| C4 | Skin changes — pigmentation, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis |
| C5 | Healed venous ulcer |
| C6 | Active venous ulcer — open non-healing wound |
How Is Venous Reflux Diagnosed?
The gold standard test for venous reflux is a Colour Doppler Ultrasound. This non-invasive scan maps the blood flow direction in all the leg veins in real time. It identifies:
- Which veins have valve failure (reflux)
- The extent and severity of venous reflux
- Whether deep or superficial veins are involved
- Presence of any clots (DVT)
- The best treatment approach for each patient
Treatment for Venous Reflux
Modern treatment for venous reflux is minimally invasive, effective and done as a day procedure:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) — laser closes the refluxing vein permanently
- MOCA (VenaSeal/Clarivein) — mechanochemical closure without heat
- Foam Sclerotherapy — chemical foam injected to close smaller veins
- Compression therapy — compression stockings to manage symptoms
All these procedures are performed under local anaesthesia with no hospitalisation. Patients walk out the same day and return to normal activities within 1-3 days.
FAQ — Venous Reflux
Get Tested for Venous Reflux Today
Early detection and treatment prevents serious complications. Book a Colour Doppler scan and consultation at Dr. Raja's Vein Clinic in Bathinda.