Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which your leg veins have trouble sending blood back to your heart. Normally, your veins have one-way valves that help the blood flow up from your legs, but with CVI, these valves don't work well and the blood can pool in your legs. This can cause problems like swelling, pain and skin changes in your legs. It's a long-term issue that needs proper care.
What causes CVI?
- Age: As people get older, their veins may naturally lose elasticity and valve function, putting them at higher risk of venous insufficiency.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots can damage vein valves and lead to insufficiency.
- Obesity: Excess body weight can put increased pressure on the veins.
- Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Prolonged periods of sitting or standing can contribute to vein problems.
- Family History: genetic predisposition to weak vein valves can increase the risk.
What are symptoms of venous insufficiency?
- Swelling in the legs and ankles, especially after long periods of sitting or standing
- Aching or cramping in the legs
- Heaviness or tiredness in the legs
- Itchy or irritated skin over affected veins
- Varicose veins
- Venous ulcers
- Skin or color changes around the affected area
How is CVI diagnosed?
How is CVI treated?
Venous insufficiency is a chronic condition and treatment is aimed at managing symptoms and preventing complications. Early intervention may include the following to help improve the quality of life for individuals and prevent complications.
- Lifestyle Changes: Elevating the legs, regular exercise and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing can help alleviate symptoms.
- Compression Stockings: Specially designed stockings apply pressure to the legs to help blood flow.
- Medication
- Minimally Invasive Treatment: Options include ClosureFast™, VenaSeal™ or Sclerotherapy.
- Surgical Treatment: In severe cases, surgical removal or repair of damaged veins may be necessary.
Can CVI cause complications?
If left untreated or poorly managed, venous insufficiency can cause a variety of complications. While possible, not everyone with venous insufficiency will experience any or all complications. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management can help mitigate the risk. Complications may include:
- Hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration
- Inflammation and hardening of the skin, also called lipodermatosclerosis
- Venous ulcers
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Varicose veins
