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.
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.
Several factors can contribute to the development of CVI. These include:
CVI symptoms typically worsen throughout the day and improve with leg elevation or rest.
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When left untreated, CVI can progress from mild discomfort to more serious complications like:
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage.
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:
This detailed information helps us create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and symptoms.
Fortunately, CVI is highly treatable with modern, in-office procedures that don’t require surgery or long recovery times.
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.
Similar to EVLT but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser. It's effective for closing off larger veins and relieving CVI symptoms.
A foamed medication is injected into malfunctioning veins, causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body.
Used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins, improving both symptoms and appearance.
Medical-grade compression helps support venous return, reduce swelling, and relieve leg fatigue. Often used as part of conservative therapy or post-procedure care.
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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In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle habits can help improve circulation and reduce the burden on your leg veins:
These changes help reduce pressure in your veins and can significantly lessen symptoms.
While you can’t change your genetics, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency:
Early intervention is the best way to avoid complications like ulcers, skin changes, or irreversible vein damage.
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.
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.