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Chronic Venous Insufficiency

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

When veins weaken and lose the ability to pump blood effectively, the condition is called chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI.

Symptoms of CVI include varicose veins, skin problems, leg and ankle swelling, tight calves, and legs that feel heavy, tired, restless or achy.

What are risk factors for Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

  • High blood pressure can stretch and weaken vein walls causing CVI
  • A blockage of the blood flow through the veins
  • Family history of CVI
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Jobs that require standing or sitting in one place for long periods of time
  • Women who over 50 are most likely to develop serious cases

Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Blood that is unable to flow back to the heart pools in the veins of the legs and may cause:

  • Swollen ankles
  • Legs that feel heavy, tired, restless or achy
  • Pain during or after walking
  • Varicose veins ( blue, bulging and twisted veins visible through the skin on the legs)
  • Skin irritation or sores
  • Hardening and discoloration under the skin that looks like a rash on the calves or ankles
  • Reddish or discolored skin
  • Leg ulcers and sores
  • Swelling of the leg

Diagnosing Chronic Venous Insufficiency

After discussing symptoms and medical history, and performing a physical exam including measuring the blood pressure in the legs and examining any varicose veins, the following tests may be requested to confirm a diagnosis of CVI:

Treatment Options

Chronic venous insufficiency does not usually pose a serious threat, and with proper treatment to minimize pain or disability, most people with this condition continue to lead active lives. Mild cases of chronic venous insufficiency can be treated on an outpatient basis with some of the following simple procedures:

  • Elastic compression therapy (elastic stockings worn to squeeze the legs and veins -- simply and effectively preventing blood from flowing backwards and pooling in the legs)

  • Elevate the legs (this allows gravity to drain swollen veins -- beneficial even when done only periodically)

  • Avoid sitting or standing for long periods

  • Flex or move the legs when sitting or standing for long periods is unavoidable

More serious cases of chronic venous insufficiency may be treated with surgical or minimally invasive procedures including: