Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Problems with the veins in the legs may lead to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI means that there's a long-term problem with the veins not being able to pump blood back to your heart. When this happens, blood stays in the legs. This causes leg swelling and aching.

Two problems that may lead to CVI are:

• Damaged valves.  Valves keep blood flowing from the legs through the blood vessels and back to the heart. When the valves are damaged, blood doesn't flow as well. 

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  Blood clots may form in the deep veins of the legs. This may cause leg pain, redness, and swelling. It may also block the flow of blood back to the heart. Get medical care right away if you have these symptoms.

Call 911

A blood clot in the leg can also break off and travel to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). In the lungs, the clot can cut off blood flow. This is a medical emergency and may cause death. Call 911 right away if you have these symptoms of a PE:

• Chest pain

• Trouble breathing

• Sweating

• Fast heartbeat

• Coughing (may even cough up blood)

• Fainting

Knowing the symptoms

Be aware of the following:

• If you stand or sit with your feet down for a long time, your legs may ache or feel heavy.

• Swollen ankles (very common)

• As swelling increases, the skin over your ankles may:

  • Show red spots or a brownish tinge

  • Feel leathery or scaly

  • Start to itch

• If swelling isn't controlled, an open sore may form.

What you can do

CVI can’t be cured. But controlling leg swelling can reduce the risk of sores. Follow these tips:

• Increase blood flow back to your heart by:

  • Raising (elevating) your legs

  • Exercising daily

  • Wearing elastic (compression) stockings

• Boost blood flow in your legs by losing extra weight.

• If you must stand or sit in 1 place for a long time, keep your blood moving by:

  • Wiggling your toes

  • Shifting your body position

  • Rising up on the balls of your feet