What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? A Comprehensive Guide from Your Leg Vein Experts

Given recent news events, many people are suddenly searching for information about Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). As a board-certified vascular surgeon who has treated thousands of patients with vein conditions, I want to take this opportunity to educate everyone about this common yet often misunderstood condition.

Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a medical condition that is estimated to affect at least 20%-40% of the adult population. Yet, many people suffer from symptoms for years without realizing they have a treatable condition. Simply put, CVI occurs when the valves in your leg veins stop functioning properly.

Think of your leg veins as a one-way highway system designed to carry blood back up to your heart against gravity. Tiny valves in these veins act like gates, opening to let blood flow upward and closing to prevent it from flowing backward. When these valves become damaged or weakened, blood can "reflux" or flow backward, causing it to pool in the lower legs.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Many patients come to my practice saying they thought their leg discomfort was just part of "getting older." However, CVI symptoms are not a normal part of aging and shouldn't be ignored. Here are the most common signs to watch for:

Physical Symptoms:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (especially after standing)
• Aching, throbbing, or cramping in the legs
• Heaviness or fatigue in the legs
• Restless legs, particularly at night
• Burning or tingling sensations

Visible Changes:

• Spider veins or varicose veins
• Skin discoloration (often brownish) around the ankles
• Changes in skin texture or thickness
• Skin that feels warm to the touch
• In advanced cases, open sores or ulcers

When Symptoms Worsen: Most patients notice that their symptoms worsen after prolonged standing or sitting, during hot weather, or at the end of the day. Many find relief when they elevate their legs or wear compression stockings.

What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

While anyone can develop CVI, certain factors increase your risk:

Age and Gender: This condition becomes more common as people age, with women slightly more affected than men, often because of hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.

Family History: Genetics play a significant role. If your parents or siblings have vein problems, you're more likely to develop them too.

Lifestyle Factors:

• Jobs requiring prolonged standing or sitting
• Lack of regular exercise
• Smoking
• Obesity, which increases pressure on leg veins

Medical History:

• Previous blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
• Multiple pregnancies
• Previous leg injuries or surgeries

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

As a vascular surgeon, I want to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, CVI typically worsens over time and can lead to more serious complications, including painful leg ulcers that are difficult to heal.

The good news is that modern diagnostic techniques make it easy to confirm CVI. At Vascular Solutions, we use advanced duplex ultrasound technology to visualize blood flow in your veins and accurately identify which valves aren't working properly. This painless, non-invasive test provides us with detailed information to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Modern Treatment Options

Gone are the days when the only treatment for vein problems was painful surgical "stripping." Today, treatments are minimally invasive, highly effective, and let you return to normal activities quickly.

Conservative Management:

• Prescription compression stockings
• Lifestyle modifications
• Exercise programs are created to boost circulation.

Minimally Invasive Procedures:

• Radiofrequency Ablation: Heat-based treatment to close damaged veins
• Sclerotherapy: Injection therapy for smaller veins
• VenaSeal: Medical adhesive to close veins without heat
• Varithena: FDA-approved injectable foam that treats varicose veins and their underlying cause
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Minimally invasive removal of surface veins

At Vascular Solutions, we customize treatment plans based on each patient's unique condition, lifestyle, and preferences. Procedures are performed in our comfortable office using local anesthesia, and patients usually return to work the following day.

Why Choose Vascular Solutions - The Leg Vein Experts?

As The Leg Vein Experts, our team specializes exclusively in solving leg vein problems. This focused expertise ensures that we stay current with the latest treatments and techniques, enabling our patients to receive the most advanced care available for all types of leg vein conditions. We understand that every patient is unique, and we take the time to thoroughly explain your condition and the treatment options available to you.

Our singular focus on leg vein health means we've perfected our approach to diagnosing and treating conditions like Chronic Venous Insufficiency. We don't just treat symptoms – we solve leg vein problems at their source.

We also understand that dealing with leg pain, swelling, and appearance issues can significantly affect your quality of life. Our goal is not just to treat your veins but to help you return to the activities you enjoy without discomfort or feeling self-conscious about how your legs look.

Taking the Next Step

If you're experiencing any symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency, don't wait for them to worsen. Early intervention often means simpler treatments and better outcomes. Many patients tell me they wish they had sought treatment sooner instead of suffering in silence.

During your consultation, we'll perform a comprehensive evaluation, discuss your symptoms and concerns, and explain all available treatment options. We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care.

For more detailed information about our services and treatment options, I encourage you to visit our website at vasc-solutions.com. You'll find patient testimonials, detailed procedure information, and resources to help you better understand your vein health.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don't let leg pain, swelling, or unsightly veins control your life any longer. As a board-certified vascular surgeon with years of experience treating CVI, I'm here to help you understand your options and find the right treatment for you.

Contact Vascular Solutions today at (704) 544-7535 to schedule your consultation. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable legs.

Remember, Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a medical condition, not a cosmetic concern. Most treatments are covered by insurance, and we'll work with you to understand your coverage and options.

Your legs carry you through life – isn't it time to give them the care they deserve?

Dr. Peter Ford is a board-certified vascular surgeon at Vascular Solutions Vein & Vascular Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Leg Vein Experts at Vascular Solutions exclusively specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of leg vein conditions using the latest minimally invasive techniques.