Chronic Venous Insufficiency (C.V.I.) is a condition in the veins that does not allow the blood from your legs to travel back to your heart properly. This condition causes the veins to enlarge, not allowing the valves to close fully so the blood stays in the ankles and feet.
Risk Factors
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Arteries deliver blood from the heart to the limbs. Veins return the blood from the limbs to the heart. In healthy leg veins, blood travels easily from the lower extremities to the heart. Tiny valves inside the veins open and close to control the flow and pressure.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (C.V.I.) occurs when veins and valves become weak, allowing blood to pool in the legs. Age, pregnancy and occupational stress can worsen the condition. The impaired blood flow can cause veins to expand and protrude from beneath the skin.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors for Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a long-term, progressive condition most commonly caused by incompetent valves in the veins. C.V.I. may also occur as the result of a past blood clot in the legs.
Common risk factors include:
- Over the age of 30
- Prolong standing and/or sitting
- Multiple pregnancies
- Hereditary
- Obesity
Symptoms
Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Look for these symptoms in our legs and/or feet:
- Pain and/or discomfort
- Cramping/Charlie Horse’s
- Restless legs
- Swelling
- Varicose veins
- Ulcers
- Itching and/or burning sensation
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Chronic Venous Insufficiency
If you have any signs or symptoms of C.V.I., contact our office for a consultation. Our team of specialist will complete a physical exam and review your medical history. There are several non-invasive diagnostic tests that we can complete to determine if you have C.V.I.
The doctor may perform a duplex ultrasound on your leg(s) to evaluate blood flow in the veins and rule out a problem such as a blood clot.