What is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?

Arteries carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body, while veins carry back the blood to the heart. The veins have a valve that prevents blood from flowing backward. When the valve function is affected, veins have trouble sending the blood back to the heart, which causes the pooling of the blood in veins. This is called venous insufficiency.

To understand more about CVI, keep reading.

Symptoms

The following are symptoms of CVI:

• Leg cramps
• Twisted, enlarged veins (blue or purple color)
• Weakness in legs
• Leg ulcers
• Itching in legs
• Swelling in ankles or legs
• Varicose veins
• Change in skin color of legs or ankles
• Aching legs or heaviness in legs
• Pain in legs which worsens on standing and gets better while resting
• Thickening of the skin on legs or ankles
• A feeling of tightness in the calves

Causes

Many factors can make you vulnerable to CVI; however, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis are the most common causes of CVI. The other risk factors include:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Cancer
• Pregnancy
• Leg injury
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Inflammation of a vein close to the skin (phlebitis)

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start with a physical examination and medical history to find out if you have CVI. They may also require additional tests if they find it challenging to figure out the problem. These tests include the following:

• Venogram
• Duplex ultrasound

Prevention

If you have a family history of venous insufficiency, the following steps may help to prevent CVI:

• Exercise
• Quit smoking
• Do not stay in one position for a long time; keep moving frequently
• If you are obese, reduce your weight
• Eat healthily
• Do not stand or sit for a longer period
• Try to keep your leg elevated while sitting
• Wearing compression stockings

Treatment

Treatment options for CVI depend on various factors that may include the severity of the symptoms, age, tolerance to medications or procedures, and your medical history.

The following are some treatment options for CVI:

• Medications: Various medications can be prescribed by your physician depending upon the symptoms. These include:
  • Anticoagulants
  • Diuretics
  • Antibiotics (in case of leg ulcers)
  • Pentoxifylline (a medication that helps to improve blood flow)
• Surgery: In severe cases of CVI, your physician may opt for surgical procedures. These include:
  • Laser surgery
  • Vein bypass
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy
  • Vein transplant
  • Vein repair
  • Ligation
• Sclerotherapy
• Catheter procedures