What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Ever wonder why your legs swell up and ache, especially after a long day of standing? It could be more than just fatigue—it might be chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This happens when veins in your legs can't send blood back to your heart properly, causing pooling and pressure. Those tiny valves inside your veins are supposed to keep blood moving the right way, but when they stop working well (or get damaged by previous blood clots), blood can get stuck. That's when problems start.
CVI mostly strikes the lower legs. At first, you might notice varicose veins—those bulging, twisted veins that look more annoying than dangerous. But CVI can roll out a whole parade of symptoms: swelling that’s stubborn, aching or cramps that get worse if you’re standing around, and surprisingly, relief when you prop your feet up. If nothing changes, your skin can turn darker, get itchy, or even become thick and rough. The worst-case scenario? Sores or ulcers that heal at a snail’s pace.
Who Gets CVI—and What Can You Do?
CVI shows up most often in people over 50, but age isn’t the only risk. Carrying extra weight, sitting or standing for hours, being pregnant, or having had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) all raise your chances. It’s easy to brush off a little swelling or think varicose veins are just cosmetic, but ignoring CVI means risking more pain and even permanent skin damage.
Tackling CVI early keeps things manageable. What works? Start with the basics: lift your legs above your heart when you can and don compression stockings. These snug socks aren’t glamorous, but they squeeze your legs just enough to help veins do their job. Moving more—instead of parking yourself on the couch—gets your blood flowing. Some doctors might recommend medications to cut swelling or boost circulation. If sores show up, or your symptoms don’t budge, there’s a range of procedures—from sealing off faulty veins to more involved surgeries—to patch up the root problem and stop things from getting worse.
- Stay active, especially with walking.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long stretches without movement.
- If prescribed, wear compression stockings every day.
- Keep an eye on new skin changes and don’t ignore open sores.
Too often, people wait until the pain or swelling messes with their daily life before seeking help. The earlier you deal with CVI, the better your odds of keeping your legs pain-free and your skin intact.
