Customer question:
Burning sensation in the legs! Why is this happening to me, and how can I fix it?
Pharmacist's response:
The veins in the legs have valves that help the blood flow in the right direction (that is, towards the heart). Gravity takes over if the "valve" is damaged and cannot close properly, and blood has difficulty flowing upwards towards the heart. This causes the blood to flow backward, known as venous reflux. Venous reflux occurs when the veins in the legs do not adequately supply blood to the heart - also called venous insufficiency. In addition, if a leg vein fails, blood tends to pool in the veins and leak into the leg tissue.
This leads to a burning sensation in the legs, especially in the calves, often accompanied by skin discoloration and severe itching.
Venous reflux disease can cause a life-threatening condition. Venous disease, which refers generically to many states, is caused by the backflow of blood (reflux) in a weakened leg vein. This backflow causes blood to pool in the veins of the lower leg.
Drug Detralex is used in adults and is intended to treat the symptoms of chronic venous disease. Venous reflux can also be treated by wearing compression stockings. These can help improve circulation by applying graduated pressure to the legs.
A person with a severe form of venous reflux may also need surgery. Talk to your doctor if you experience any warning signs or symptoms of venous reflux, such as pain, muscle cramps, or swelling.
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