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Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which the veins of the lower legs fail to efficiently return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins. This malfunction typically results from damaged or weakened valves within the veins.
Valves in healthy veins prevent blood from flowing backward, but when they become weakened or damaged due to various factors, blood can flow in the wrong direction, causing fluid buildup, swelling, and a range of other symptoms.
CVI is a common and often underdiagnosed condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly older adults and those with a history of prolonged standing or sitting.
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that affects the veins in your legs, making it difficult for blood to flow back up to your heart as it should.
🔍 To put it simply:
Your leg veins have one-way valves designed to keep blood moving upward, working against gravity. When these valves weaken or get damaged, blood can start to pool in your legs, leading to swelling, discomfort, and changes in your skin.
⚠️ Common Symptoms:
– Swelling in the legs or ankles, especially after being on your feet for a while
– Legs that feel achy, tired, or heavy
– Bulging varicose veins
– Itchy or flaky skin on your legs
– Darkening of the skin or sores near the ankles
When it comes to treatment options, here are some effective strategies you might consider:
– Compression stockings to boost blood circulation
– Elevating your legs to reduce swelling
– Engaging in regular exercise, like walking
– Medications that can help manage symptoms
– In more severe cases, procedures such as vein surgery, vein ablation, or sclerotherapy may be necessary.
âś… 1. What are they?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): This is a long-lasting condition where the veins, particularly in the legs, struggle to send blood back to the heart. It happens due to weak or damaged valves in the veins or blockages within them. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS): This is a specific form of CVI that arises after someone has had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The blood clot can harm the vein and its valves, resulting in poor blood circulation and symptoms that resemble those of CVI.
How common is chronic venous insufficiency?
đź“Š Global Prevalence:
-CVI impacts nearly 40% of the general population.
-It tends to be more prevalent in women compared to men.
-In the U.S. and Europe, around 1 in 4 adults show signs of CVI.
-In India and other parts of Asia, the number of cases is on the rise due to factors like prolonged sitting or standing, heat, and a general lack of awareness.
âś… Risk Increases With:Age (more common after 40)
-Obesity
-Pregnancy
-A sedentary lifestyle or jobs that require long periods of standing
-A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
👩‍⚕️ Summary:
CVI isn’t something rare—it’s actually quite widespread and often goes unnoticed until symptoms become serious. Being aware and seeking early treatment can significantly lower the chances of complications like varicose veins or leg ulcers.
What are the stages of chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is typically classified into stages based on the CEAP classification system — a standardized method used by clinicians to describe the severity of venous disease. Here’s a breakdown of the stages from S0 to S6:
CEAP Classification – Stages of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
| Stage | Clinical Description |
|---|---|
| S0 | No visible or palpable signs of venous disease. |
| S1 | Telangiectasias (spider veins) or reticular veins (small blue veins). |
| S2 | Varicose veins (diameter ≥3 mm). |
| S3 | Edema (swelling) without skin changes. |
| S4 | Skin changes due to venous disease: – S4a: Pigmentation or eczema – S4b: Lipodermatosclerosis or white atrophy |
| S5 | Healed venous ulcer. |
| S6 | Active venous ulcer. |
How do I take care of myself with chronic venous insufficiency?
- It’s important to avoid standing or sitting for too long. During those lengthy car or plane trips, make sure to flex and extend your legs, feet, and ankles about 10 times every half hour. This little exercise helps keep your blood flowing through your leg veins. If you find yourself standing for a while, don’t forget to take breaks to sit down and elevate your feet.
- Make it a habit to check your skin every time you shower. If you spot any changes, like new sores, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- When you’re sitting or lying down, try to elevate your legs above your heart level.
- Regular exercise is key, and walking is particularly beneficial for your leg veins
- Keep an eye on your weight and aim for a healthy range that works for you. It’s a good idea to discuss what that ideal weight is with your provider.
- Good skin hygiene is essential. Make sure to wash and moisturize your skin daily. Ask your provider for recommendations on the best moisturizer for your skin type. Keeping your skin hydrated can help prevent flaking and cracking, which can lead to infections. Your provider might also suggest creams to help with itching, protect your skin, or prevent fungal infections.
- If your provider suggests wearing compression stockings, definitely consider it. They can be one of the most effective ways to manage chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). There are various types available, so be sure to follow your provider’s advice on which ones are best for you. Also, ask them how to properly wash and care for your stockings.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you have any risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), it’s a good idea to see your provider. They can evaluate your risk factors and help you find ways to reduce them.
If you’re already dealing with CVI, make sure to keep all your medical appointments and stick to your provider’s advice on when to come back for follow-ups.
You should definitely call your provider if:
– You have any questions about your condition.
– You notice any new or changing symptoms.
– Your compression stockings aren’t fitting properly. They shouldn’t be bunched up.
If your elastic stockings don’t fit right, they can actually worsen your condition by restricting blood flow in the areas where they’re tight.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
There’s a lot to learn about chronic venous insufficiency. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider any question that comes to mind. You may also want to ask:
- What stage of chronic venous insufficiency am I at?
- How can I manage CVI at home?
- How can you help me stick with compression therapy?
- Do I need a procedure or surgery?
- What can I do to prevent my CVI from getting worse?