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Friday, 18 July, 2025
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is more than just a circulation issue, it's a progressive condition that, if ignored, can snowball into something serious. We're talking leg ulcers, skin breakdown, infections, and in severe cases, blood clots. But here’s the good news: with early diagnosis and the right treatment, CVI can be managed well and in some cases, reversed.
This guide breaks down what causes chronic venous insufficiency, how it shows up, how it's diagnosed, and what you can do about it whether you're just noticing symptoms or dealing with an advanced stage.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition where the veins in your legs can’t send blood back up to your heart properly. Instead of flowing upward, blood starts pooling in your legs especially the lower legs leading to symptoms like swelling, aching, and over time, skin changes and ulcers.
This happens because the valves inside your leg veins which are supposed to act like one-way gates become weak or damaged. Blood flows backward (called reflux), pressure builds up, and visible damage starts to show.
CVI is not the same as a clot or a one-time event. It's a slow-moving condition that gets worse over time, especially if left untreated.
How Common Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
- Affects nearly 40% of people over the age of 50
- More prevalent in women, mainly due to hormonal shifts and pregnancy
- Often misdiagnosed as simple leg fatigue or written off as just “old age”
- Many people don’t realize they have CVI until complications develop
What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
CVI starts when the one-way valves in your leg veins stop working properly. These valves are supposed to keep blood moving toward the heart. When they weaken, blood flows in reverse and collects in the lower leg. That’s when pressure builds and symptoms start.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Genetics if your family has a history of varicose veins or vein issues
- Hormonal changes especially during pregnancy or menopause
- Obesity more weight means more pressure on your leg veins
- Prolonged standing or sitting common in professions like teaching or nursing
- Past blood clots especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Ageing the valves simply wear out over time
Signs & Symptoms of CVI
You might not connect the dots right away. Symptoms build slowly, and many brush them off as aging or tired legs. But these signs shouldn’t be ignored:
- Leg swelling especially around the ankles and calves
- Aching or heavy legs after standing or sitting for long periods
- Visible varicose veins
- Skin darkening, dryness, or itchiness near the ankles
- Open sores or ulcers that are slow to heal
- Cramping or a restless sensation in the legs at night
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s worth getting evaluated by a vascular doctor in Bangalore if you’re local and looking for expert help.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Stages
CVI progresses in stages. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Stage 1: Mild swelling, tired or heavy legs
- Stage 2: Noticeable varicose veins and skin changes
- Stage 3: Skin thickening, hyperpigmentation
- Stage 4: Ulceration or open sores that are hard to heal
Catching CVI in the early stages makes a huge difference in outcomes especially in preventing complications.
How Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency Diagnosed?
Wondering how to test for chronic venous insufficiency? Diagnosis is usually quick, painless, and done in an outpatient setting.
Your doctor will start with a clinical exam, then suggest tests like:
- Doppler Ultrasound to check blood flow in your veins
- Venous Duplex Scan combines Doppler with imaging to see valve function and reflux
- Photoplethysmography or Air Plethysmography advanced tests to assess blood pooling and vein pressure
If you're looking up your reports or insurance codes, the chronic venous insufficiency ICD 10 code commonly used is I87.2. This helps classify the condition in medical records and billing systems.
CVI vs. Varicose Veins: What’s the Difference?
Think of varicose veins as the visible symptom. Chronic venous insufficiency is the deeper issue that might cause them but not always.
You can have varicose veins without CVI, and you can have CVI without visible varicose veins. But untreated varicose veins often evolve into CVI over time.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment
So how to treat chronic venous insufficiency? That depends on how far it’s progressed. Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes to medical procedures.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Approaches:
- Compression stockings: the gold standard. Wear them daily to support veins and reduce swelling
- Leg elevation: above heart level for 15–30 mins a few times a day
- Daily walks: improves calf muscle pump and circulation
- Weight management: relieves vein pressure
- Avoid sitting or standing too long
Medical Therapies:
- Venoactive medications (like micronized flavonoids) to improve vein tone and reduce symptoms
- Topical antibiotics for ulcers or infections
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments:
When conservative treatment isn’t enough, your doctor may suggest:
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to seal the affected veins
- Sclerotherapy injecting a solution to close off damaged veins
- Phlebectomy or vein stripping surgically removing diseased veins
These procedures are safe, often done under local anesthesia, and don’t require overnight hospital stays. They are commonly used in both chronic venous insufficiency and treatment for varicose veins, since they target the underlying vein reflux causing both problems.
Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency Curable?
CVI is not completely curable, but it can be managed very well.
Lifestyle changes, compression therapy, and if needed, minimally invasive procedures can reduce symptoms drastically and halt disease progression.
If you're wondering, “Is chronic venous insufficiency dangerous?” yes, if ignored. But if you take it seriously, your legs (and your life) will thank you.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing CVI
Everyday habits matter. Here’s what helps:
- Wear compression stockings daily
- Walk for 30 minutes even 10-minute bursts help
- Avoid tight clothing, especially around thighs
- Elevate your legs in the evening
- Stay hydrated and reduce salt
- Quit smoking it damages blood vessels
- Massage under medical supervision
- Check your skin regularly for changes or ulcers
For those in the early stages of managing mild symptoms, many people also try home remedies for varicose veins treatment like leg elevation, walking, and natural anti-inflammatory creams which can also help with CVI symptom relief. While these aren't a cure, they do support vein health and may reduce discomfort when used consistently alongside medical care.
CVI and Related Conditions
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): a major risk factor for CVI
- Lymphedema: may appear alongside CVI, especially in advanced cases
- Diabetic ulcers: not the same, but often confused with CVI-related ulcers
When to See a Vascular Doctor
Don’t wait for ulcers to appear. See a doctor if you have:
- Persistent swelling in one or both legs
- Darkened or scaly skin around the ankles
- Open wounds or sores
- Worsening varicose veins
- Pain that worsens with standing or at night
FAQ’s
Q. Is chronic venous insufficiency dangerous?
Yes. It can cause ulcers, infections, and increase the risk of blood clots if not treated.
Q. Is chronic venous insufficiency curable?
It’s a long-term condition, but with the right treatment, you can live comfortably and avoid serious complications.
Q. How is chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed?
Typically through a clinical exam and a Doppler or duplex ultrasound.
Q. How long should I wear compression stockings?
Daily, especially when you're standing, sitting for long hours, or traveling.
Q. Can I fly or travel with CVI?
Yes. Just wear compression stockings, stay hydrated, and move around during long trips.
