1 in 4 people have some degree of venous reflux, associated with varicose veins or deep venous thrombosis. CVI affects both young and old and risk factors include immobilisation, long haul flights, pelvic or lower limb surgery, hormone contraceptives and pregnancy. 1 in 8 people over 50 have lower limb arterial disease, affecting mainly older males. We, therefore, examine connections of PAD with hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and smoking.

Vascular problems can cause swelling, discomfort, restless or tired legs and some people go on to develop skin changes, with loss of leg hair, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis, thrombopheblitis or ulceration or even pain while resting or gangrene. Miss Rudarakanchana aims to help us spot these signs and symptoms, and make a differential diagnosis using function tests and scans. For example, Buerger's test and ankle brachial pressure indices to assess the degree of blood flow impairment, and duplex ultrasound to show the exact pattern of reflux in deep and superficial veins and possible venous occlusion.

In the final half of the webinar, we delve into prevention and rehabilitation options. Although venous insufficiency is not preventable in many cases, symptoms may be improved by loss of weight and leg elevation. Arterial disease, on the other hand, may be prevented by lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation, BMI optimisation, low fat and salt diets, and cardiovascular exercise. 

Conservative management techniques can include the use of compression stockings, medication and supervised exercise classes in the early stages. However, others will benefit from superficial venous intervention in the form of endovenous laser ablation, foam sclerotherapy or avulsions, thrombolysis, and angioplasty with or without stenting. Lastly, we discuss the pros and cons to find a suitable treatment and the best possible outcome for your patients.  

Schedule:

• Aetiology and epidemiology 
• Signs and symptoms 
• Investigations and diagnosis – Ultrasound and function tests
• Prevention – lifestyle modifications
• Conservative & Interventional treatment options

Learning Outcomes:

• Refresh your memory on the aetiologies of vascular conditions of the lower limb
• Learn the signs and symptoms to be aware of and when to be concerned, and understand how to diagnose each vascular condition
• Expand your knowledge on the range of treatments available and how your patients can avoid vascular problems with holistic lifestyle changes

2 hour webinar, speaker's slides (if permitted) and CPD certificate.

Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Sports Therapists, Hand Therapists, Radiographers, Occupational Therapists, GP, Other Health Professionals, Trainee Health Professionals, Students