Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

CVI typically develops over time and is often linked to underlying vein disease. Factors such as aging, genetics, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, and lack of physical activity can all contribute to its development.

If you have a personal or family history of varicose veins or blood clots, your risk may be even higher. Over time, the valves inside the veins lose their ability to keep blood moving upward, leading to the symptoms associated with CVI.

Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency often start out mild but worsen if not addressed. As pressure in the lower leg veins increases, physical symptoms become more noticeable and persistent.

Common CVI Symptoms

• Leg swelling: Fluid accumulation, especially around the ankles and calves
• Aching and fatigue: A heavy, tired feeling in the legs after standing or sitting
• Varicose veins: Swollen, twisted veins visible beneath the skin
• Skin changes: Itching, flaking, dryness, or brownish discoloration (stasis dermatitis)
• Cramping and restlessness: Throbbing sensations or restless legs, especially at night
• Venous ulcers: Open, non-healing sores that typically develop near the ankles

Complications of Untreated CVI

Because chronic venous insufficiency is progressive, leaving it unmanaged can result in progressive tissue damage and long-term health risks.

When left unmanaged, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to:

• Worsening varicose veins that become larger and more painful
• Thickened, leathery skin (lipodermatosclerosis)
• Increased risk of recurrent skin infections, including cellulitis
• Painful venous ulcers that are slow to heal and prone to infection
• Significantly reduced mobility and compromised daily quality of life

Diagnosing Chronic Venous Insufficiency

At USA Vein Clinics, we begin with a thorough medical evaluation, which includes a non-invasive duplex ultrasound to evaluate blood flow in your legs. This painless test allows our specialists to pinpoint areas where valves are malfunctioning and determine the exact severity of your condition.

Understanding what to expect during a vascular exam helps ensure a seamless visit. Once the ultrasound maps the diseased veins, our vein experts design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.

Treatment Options for CVI

USA Vein Clinics offers minimally invasive treatments for chronic venous insufficiency, performed in comfortable outpatient clinics nationwide. Our procedures are FDA-approved, require no general anesthesia, and allow you to return to normal daily activities quickly.

Common CVI treatments include:

• Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): Uses targeted laser energy to gently close diseased veins and reroute circulation to healthy pathways.
• Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS): Uses specialized visual guidance to inject a medical solution into deeper malfunctioning veins, causing them to collapse and seal.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Delivers controlled thermal energy to heat and collapse damaged vein walls safely.
• Varithena Foam Treatment: Injects a microfoam medicine directly into larger diseased veins without the need for thermal energy.

Each treatment is customized to your condition and designed to improve circulation, relieve persistent symptoms, and prevent future vascular complications.

Take Control of Your Vein Health

If you have been living with leg pain, swelling, or visible veins, do not ignore the warning signs of chronic venous insufficiency. Early diagnosis and proactive care can stop disease progression, protect your skin, and restore your comfort and mobility.