When Your Veins Struggle, Your Whole Body Feels It

Healthy veins in your legs are designed to move blood back to your heart against the pull of gravity. They rely on tiny one-way valves to keep blood flowing in the right direction. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when these valves weaken or become damaged, allowing blood to pool in the legs.

This isn’t just a cosmetic concern—it’s a circulatory problem that can impact your legs, skin, and overall health over time. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) here in St. Louis, we help patients understand the full-body effects of CVI so they can take steps to protect their health.

How CVI Develops

CVI can be caused by:

• A history of varicose veins
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) damaging vein valves
• Long periods of standing or sitting at work
• Pregnancy or significant weight gain
• Family history of vein disease

When valves fail, blood moves backward and builds pressure in the veins—a process called venous hypertension. This constant pressure is what leads to the symptoms and complications of CVI.

The Impact on Your Legs

1. Swelling and Heaviness

Pooling blood increases pressure inside the veins, which forces fluid into surrounding tissues. Patients often notice swelling around the ankles and calves, along with a sensation of heaviness or fatigue in the legs, especially toward the end of the day.

2. Pain, Cramping, and Restlessness

CVI can cause aching, throbbing, burning, or nighttime leg cramps. Some patients also experience restless leg syndrome, which disrupts sleep.

3. Skin Changes

Over time, the high pressure in the veins reduces oxygen delivery to skin cells, leading to:

• Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Dry, itchy patches (stasis dermatitis)
• Thin, fragile skin that heals slowly

Beyond the Legs – How CVI Affects the Whole Body

While the most obvious signs are in the legs, CVI can have ripple effects on your overall health:

1. Chronic Inflammation

The constant pressure and pooling blood in your legs can trigger low-grade inflammation. Chronic inflammation doesn’t just stay in the veins—it can influence your body’s immune system, potentially worsening joint pain, fatigue, and other inflammatory conditions.

2. Impaired Mobility

Pain, swelling, and heaviness can make it harder to stay active. Reduced physical activity can lead to weight gain, muscle weakness, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Increased Risk of Blood Clots

CVI can slow blood flow enough to increase the likelihood of clot formation, especially in patients with other clotting risk factors. In rare cases, these clots can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which is a medical emergency.

Advanced Complications if Left Untreated

If CVI progresses, patients may develop:

• Venous stasis ulcers – Open sores around the ankles caused by poor circulation and skin breakdown. These can be painful, prone to infection, and slow to heal without proper treatment.
• Lipodermatosclerosis – Thickening and tightening of skin and fat tissues in the lower leg, making it more difficult to walk comfortably.
• Recurrent cellulitis – Repeated skin infections due to impaired immune defense in the affected area.

How We Diagnose and Treat CVI

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), diagnosis starts with a thorough evaluation, including:

• Duplex ultrasound to visualize blood flow and check valve function
• Assessment of swelling, skin changes, and symptom patterns
• Review of medical history and risk factors

Treatment Options Include:

1. Lifestyle Changes & Compression
   Wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs, and staying active can improve circulation and reduce symptoms.
2. Minimally Invasive Vein Procedures
   Treatments like endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, or Varithena® close off faulty veins so blood reroutes through healthy ones.
3. Skin and Wound Care
   For patients with skin changes or ulcers, we provide specialized care to promote healing and prevent infection.

Why Early Treatment Matters

CVI is progressive—meaning it won’t go away on its own and will likely worsen over time. Treating it early can:

• Prevent skin damage and ulcer formation
• Reduce pain and swelling
• Improve daily comfort and mobility
• Lower the risk of blood clots

Taking the First Step Toward Healthier Veins

If you have leg swelling, aching, or visible varicose veins, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vein disease before it leads to serious complications.

Schedule your vein consultation today, and let’s work together to protect your circulation, restore comfort, and keep you moving with confidence.

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