Venous Stasis
Venous stasis is improper function in the leg veins that normally carry blood back toward the heart. This may occur following injury to the veins, which may lead to blood clots in the superficial veins (known as superficial phlebitis) or blood clots in the deep veins (known as deep vein thrombosis/DVT).
Individuals with this condition usually exhibit swelling of the legs and ankles. The superficial veins in the legs may be varicose, causing the veins to be enlarged and appear as a cord or bunch of grapes. Patients often complain of a feeling of tiredness in their legs. These symptoms worsen with standing, and are relieved when the legs are elevated. As the condition progresses the blood continues to collect in the feet, ankles, and legs.
Rest, elevation, and compression stockings are the most common forms of treatment. In severe cases, pneumatic compression pumps may be necessary to pump the stagnant blood back toward the heart.
