Lipodermatosclerosis is a skin condition of the lower legs. It occurs when the fat underneath the skin becomes inflamed. Symptoms of lipodermatosclerosis include pain, redness, swelling, and hardening of the skin. It is unclear what causes this condition, but venous insufficiency and obesity are contributing factors.
Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins do not send blood to the heart as efficiently as it pumps blood out. This results in blood pooling in the lower part of the body, or the legs. Treating venous insufficiency and lipodermatosclerosis can help prevent severe conditions like vein diseases and the need for surgery. Thanks to the expertise of the DHR Health Vein Institute, sufferers will no longer feel the need to cover up.
How Can You Treat Lipodermatosclerosis?
The primary treatment for lipodermatosclerosis and venous insufficiency is conservative treatments. These treatments are designed to improve the condition of the veins without surgery. If done before the disease becomes too severe, this can be a very effective method of treatment. There are several forms of conservative treatment that can be used to help with venous insufficiency. They include:
• Compression Therapy
Compression stockings are worn to put pressure on the legs, and this helps with blood flow, preventing pooling.
• Elevating the Legs
You can raise one or both legs that you are having trouble with. For optimum results, you should elevate them above heart level for several minutes in the morning and at night. This action will help to improve your blood flow.
• Exercise
If you regularly sit or stand for long periods, this may be contributing to the problem. Incorporating more exercise into your daily routine will not only help to treat Lipodermatosclerosis, but it will help you to feel a lot healthier. Leg stretches, toe-tapping, and feet flexes are all good exercises to help promote blood flow.
• Losing Weight
In many cases, obesity can cause venous insufficiency. If a person is considered obese, losing weight can relieve some of the symptoms and help improve blood flow.
Most of these treatments can be done at home, and some can even be practiced at work. A combination of more than one treatment may also be particularly effective.
If you have lipodermatosclerosis and want to seek an alternative to invasive treatments, contact DHR Health Vein Institute in the McAllen TX area for a consultation today! Our expertise can help to alleviate your symptoms and restore your confidence.
