Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which veins, typically in the legs, do not function properly, making it difficult for the blood in the legs to cycle back to the heart. CVI causes blood to “pool” or collects in these veins, and this pooling is called stasis. The causes of chronic venous insufficiency include high blood pressure in the leg veins over time, due to sitting or standing for long periods, lack of exercise, smoking.
Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat. But it can be painful and disabling.
Symptoms

Sensation of heavy legs

  • Relieved by elevation

  • Gets worse throughout the day or with prolonged standing

common

Pain in lower leg

  • Relieved by elevation

  • Gets worse throughout the day or with prolonged standing

or Pain in ankle region without achilles tendon

  • Relieved by elevation

  • Occurs or worsens throughout the day or with prolonged standing

or Feet pain

  • Relieved by elevation

  • Gets worse throughout the day or with prolonged standing

common

A burning feeling in legs or feet

or Itchy skin

  • At lower extremity

common

Swelling in lower leg

  • Relieved by elevation

  • Occurs or worsens progressively throughout the day or prolonged standing

  • One side, In both lower legs

or Enlarged feet or ankle

  • Gets worse throughout the day or with prolonged standing

  • Relieved by elevation

  • In one side, In both feet or ankles

common

Darkening of skin in lower leg or foot

common

Numbness or tingling in legs, feet, or buttocks

Open wound in lower leg or ankles

Risk factors

High blood pressure disease

History of deep vein thrombosis

or Twisted, enlarged veins

Pregnancy

or Given birth two or more times

Overweight or obese

Standing for long periods

Family history of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Smoking

Treatment
Treatment of CVI aims to improve blood flow in the veins with

leg elevation

, wearing

compression stockings

, and surgery as a last resort.
Recommended specialist

If you have Chronic Venous Insufficiency, then a visit to a cardiovascular surgeon is highly recommended.

Contact a

Cardiovascular surgeon

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