Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that makes it more difficult for blood in your legs to flow back up to your heart. Instead, blood can pool in your leg veins, leading to swelling, pain and changes in your skin over time. It’s very common, especially in older adults, but can also occur in young patients.
How your veins work
“Your veins transport blood through your body and back to your heart,” explains James G. Drougas, MD, Carilion Clinic Vascular Surgery. “In your legs, that means blood has to travel upward against gravity.”
Tiny valves inside your veins act like one-way doors, keeping blood moving in the correct direction. With CVI, these “doors” don’t close properly. Instead of blood flowing toward your heart, it can pool in your legs.
What causes chronic venous insufficiency?
There’s no one cause for CVI, but some things raise your risk:
- Age: Your risk goes up as you get older
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop CVI
- Family history: If varicose veins or vein problems run in your family, your risk is higher
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume can strain your veins
- Obesity: Extra weight puts more pressure on your veins
- Blood clots (DVT): A history of clots can damage the valves in your veins
- Lifestyle: Standing or sitting still for long periods can increase your risk
Signs of chronic venous insufficiency
CVI can be mild at first and get worse over time. You might notice:
- Swelling in your lower legs or ankles
- Tired, heavy or achy legs
- Varicose veins
- Itchy, flaky or discolored skin near your ankles
- Sores or wounds on your legs that heal slowly
If you have these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. “Catching and treating CVI early can help prevent complications like leg ulcers or infections,” says Dr. Drougas.
How it’s diagnosed
A doctor will usually look at your legs and ask about your symptoms. They may also order an ultrasound to check for clots and damaged valves.
Can chronic venous insufficiency be treated?
Yes. There are several options for treating CVI depending on how severe it is, including:
- Lifestyle changes: Exercise regularly, manage weight, eat a heart healthy diet and avoid long periods of sitting or standing to help circulation
- Leg elevation: Prop your legs up above your heart to reduce swelling
- Compression stockings: Wear special socks that gently squeeze your legs to help blood move upward and prevent clots
- Medicines: These can help with swelling or prevent blood clots
- Procedures: In more serious cases, your doctor might suggest treatments like ablation (closing off a vein), sclerotherapy (injecting a solution into a vein) or surgery to remove damaged veins
Can you prevent it?
You can’t always prevent CVI, but healthy habits can lower your risk:
- Exercise regularly
- Keep a healthy weight
- Move around often if you sit or stand a lot
- Wear compression stockings if your doctor recommends them
If you have questions or concerning symptoms, don’t wait—reach out to your primary care doctor today.
