Complete Overview of Lipodermatosclerosis

You do not have to settle for living in pain from lipodermatosclerosis. Here at DHR Health Vein Institute, we specialize in several treatment methods for this painful condition. Keep reading for a complete overview of this condition and what you can do to correct it today.

What Is Lipodermatosclerosis?

Lipodermatosclerosis is a condition characteristic of changes to the skin of your lower legs. It may affect one or both of your legs. Signs and symptoms differ from person to person, but include:

Hardening and/or thickening of the skin
Changes in skin color (redness)
Tapering of the legs above the ankles
Atrophie blanche (small, white scarred areas)
Varicose veins
Pain
Swelling
Leg ulcers

This condition may be either acute or chronic. Chronic lipodermatosclerosis may occur after an acute episode or develop gradually over time. If it develops slowly, the hardening and reddening of the skin is normally much worse than acute cases.

What Causes this Condition?

The precise cause of lipodermatosclerosis is not currently known. However, two-thirds of people suffering from this condition are obese. It thus stands to reason that lifestyle choices increase the risk of getting this condition. Some vein abnormalities also increase your risk of getting this condition.

Diagnosis

This veinous disease is rarely diagnosed using a skin biopsy or blood test. Rather, a specialist will investigate your thorough medical history and consider your current symptoms. An MRI (magnetic resonance imagery) or ultrasound may be used to determine the severity of your particular case and the best treatment options for you.

Treatment

There are several effective lipodermatosclerosis treatment methods depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms. If your condition is caused by pregnancy, compression stockings or wraps are usually sufficient. This helps to force the blood back up to your heart. You may also want to elevate your legs above your heart when you sleep. This allows gravity the opportunity to do the brunt of the work.

If your condition is caused by obesity, try lifestyle changes including a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine. If you have high blood pressure, do not add salt to your food. Exercise, including walking, gets your legs moving and the blood flowing around your lower body.

Mild Cases

In mild cases, ointment is often prescribed to treat the red, irritated skin. Massages are also often prescribed to improve blood circulation.

In extreme cases, surgery may be required to treat this venous disease. In mild-to-moderate cases, you may simply be advised to avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Furthermore, you may be advised to take certain medications, such as blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications will thin the blood and mitigate the risk of blood clots or stroke. Medication is also highly effective at treating pain, swelling, and inflammation while improving blood flow.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

You deserve to have attractive legs and a pain-free life. For an individualized treatment plan for your lipodermatosclerosis, contact the helpful experts at DHR Health Vein Institute in South Texas today to schedule your initial consultation!