A Patient Guide to Chronic Venous Insufficiency

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when veins are unable to overcome the force of gravity and return blood to the heart. This can happen due to a weak calf muscle pump, or when veins are either damaged or become less efficient as we age. In patients with CVI, blood collects in the lower legs, causing high pressure in the veins. This high pressure can force an increased amount of fluid and proteins to filter out of the blood vessels and into surrounding tissue, which can lead to chronic swelling.

What is chronic swelling?

Also known as lymphedema, chronic swelling is a progressive condition in which excessive protein-rich fluids accumulate in the body’s tissues. A compromised or non-functioning lymphatic system places patients at risk of medical complications including recurrent skin infections known as cellulitis.

Signs and symptoms

CVI is a progressive condition that requires active management. It’s important to first get an accurate diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, ask your physician about seeing a Vein Specialist:

• Swelling in the lower legs and ankles, especially after long periods of standing
• Aching or tiredness in the legs
• Varicose veins
• Leathery-looking skin on the legs
• Flaking or itching skin on the legs or feet
• Reddish-brown colored skin in the ankle area
• Leg wounds that won’t heal (possible venous ulcers)

Treatment Options

A simple ultrasound test can provide an accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, there are treatments designed to lower venous pressure and minimize leg swelling (edema). One treatment, compression, will remain an important part of managing your condition regardless of your other treatments.

Some things you can do to manage CVI include:

• Avoid sitting or standing for too long; move and exercise regularly
• Elevate your legs above your heart while sitting and lying down
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Practice good skin hygiene

Your doctor may also recommend any of the following:

• Compression therapy, which may include compression stockings, bandages or pneumatic compression pumps
• Surgical or non-surgical treatments to close or bypass specific problem veins
• Antibiotics to treat acute skin infections
• A therapist specializing in the treatment of chronic swelling

CVI patients often wait too long to get help, increasing their risk of worsening complications. We hope this Patient Guide to Chronic Insufficiency will help your education efforts. It highlights the importance of both venous and lymphatic treatment in restoring normal blood and tissue-fluid circulation, thereby reducing swelling and improving immune function.

Click to download, “A Patient Guide to Chronic Venous Insufficiency.”