What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects the veins in your legs. If your legs feel heavy, swollen, or achy—especially at the end of the day—you might be experiencing one of the early signs of CVI.

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating venous disorders like CVI with non-surgical, minimally invasive therapies. In this blog, you’ll learn what chronic venous insufficiency is, what causes it, the symptoms to look for, and how it can be effectively treated so you can walk, stand, and live more comfortably.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in your legs can no longer effectively return blood back to the heart. Normally, one-way valves inside your veins prevent blood from flowing backward. But when these valves become weakened or damaged, blood pools in the lower legs, leading to pressure, inflammation, and visible vein changes.

Over time, this backflow of blood—known as venous reflux—creates symptoms like swelling, varicose veins, skin discoloration, and even ulcers.

What Causes CVI?

Several factors can contribute to the development of CVI. These include:

• Genetics: A family history of vein disease increases your risk.
• Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Occupations requiring long hours on your feet or at a desk put strain on the veins.
• Age: CVI is more common in people over age 40.
• Pregnancy: Increased blood volume and pressure on pelvic veins can damage valves.
• Obesity: Extra weight places added pressure on the veins.
• History of Blood Clots or Leg Injury: These can damage valves and impair venous return.
• Lack of Physical Activity: Without regular muscle contraction (especially in the calves), blood doesn’t get pumped efficiently.

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

CVI symptoms typically worsen throughout the day and improve with leg elevation or rest.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Leg swelling, especially in the ankles and calves
• Aching or heaviness in the legs after standing or sitting
• Visible varicose veins or spider veins
• Itching or burning sensations around the lower legs
• Skin discoloration or dark patches, often around the ankles
• Thickened, leathery skin in the lower legs
• Leg cramps or restless legs, especially at night
• Venous ulcers or open sores (in more advanced cases)

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Why Is CVI a Problem?

When left untreated, CVI can progress from mild discomfort to more serious complications like:

• Painful varicose veins
• Chronic swelling and inflammation
• Skin damage and infections
• Venous ulcers that are slow to heal and prone to infection
• Reduced mobility and quality of life

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage.

How Is CVI Diagnosed?

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we use a venous duplex ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging technique that allows us to see how blood is flowing through your leg veins in real-time. This painless test checks:

• Valve function
• Presence of reflux (backward blood flow)
• Vein diameter and pressure
• Any signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

This detailed information helps us create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and symptoms.

Treatment Options for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Fortunately, CVI is highly treatable with modern, in-office procedures that don’t require surgery or long recovery times.

1. Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

A minimally invasive procedure where a tiny laser fiber is inserted into the diseased vein to seal it shut. Blood is rerouted to healthier veins, improving circulation and reducing symptoms.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Similar to EVLT but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser. It's effective for closing off larger veins and relieving CVI symptoms.

3. Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

A foamed medication is injected into malfunctioning veins, causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body.

4. Visual Sclerotherapy

Used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins, improving both symptoms and appearance.

5. Graduated Compression Stockings

Medical-grade compression helps support venous return, reduce swelling, and relieve leg fatigue. Often used as part of conservative therapy or post-procedure care.

6. Red Light Therapy and PEMF

Emerging therapies like photobiomodulation (red light) and PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy support blood flow, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing in the tissues affected by CVI.

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Lifestyle Changes That Support CVI Recovery

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle habits can help improve circulation and reduce the burden on your leg veins:

• Elevate your legs several times a day
• Stay active with walking, biking, or swimming
• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
• Wear compression stockings as recommended
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay hydrated and reduce salt intake to prevent fluid retention

These changes help reduce pressure in your veins and can significantly lessen symptoms.

Can CVI Be Prevented?

While you can’t change your genetics, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency:

• Move frequently—don’t sit or stand in one position for too long
• Wear compression socks if you’re on your feet all day
• Exercise regularly to strengthen your calf muscles
• Avoid high heels and tight clothing
• Treat early symptoms before they worsen

Early intervention is the best way to avoid complications like ulcers, skin changes, or irreversible vein damage.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Signs

If your legs are swelling, aching, or showing signs of visible veins, it may be more than just tired legs—it could be chronic venous insufficiency. CVI is progressive, but with the right care, it’s manageable—and often reversible—with simple, in-office treatments.

You don’t have to suffer in silence or wait for symptoms to worsen. Relief, healing, and healthier legs are possible.

Ready to Treat Your Leg Discomfort at the Source?

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating CVI with state-of-the-art, non-surgical solutions. Book your vein consultation today and take the first step toward lighter, pain-free legs.

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