Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment Near You
The Vein Condition Behind Your Heavy, Aching Legs
If your legs regularly feel heavy, achy, or swollen by the end of the day, you may have attributed it to long hours on your feet, the natural effects of getting older, or simply being tired. For many patients, the real explanation is chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition that develops gradually and often goes undiagnosed for years because its symptoms are so easy to normalize.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the veins in the legs struggle to move blood back toward the heart efficiently. Blood pools in the lower extremities, creating the pressure and discomfort that patients so often describe as a permanent feature of their afternoons and evenings. Left unaddressed, CVI can progress from mild discomfort to visible varicose veins, skin changes, and persistent swelling.
At Vista Veins, Dr. Kathleen Latouf evaluates venous insufficiency thoroughly, using ultrasound imaging to assess the extent of the condition before recommending any treatment. If chronic venous insufficiency is driving your symptoms, effective, minimally invasive treatment options are available. Request an appointment to find out where to start.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Causes and Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Chronic venous insufficiency develops when the one-way valves inside the leg veins become damaged or weakened over time. These valves normally prevent blood from flowing backward between heartbeats. When they fail, blood pools in the lower legs, creating the sustained pressure that drives CVI's symptoms. Contributing factors include a personal or family history of varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, excess body weight, and age. Women are more frequently affected than men, and the condition becomes more common over time.
Recognizing Chronic Venous Insufficiency Symptoms
CVI symptoms are most noticeable after long periods of standing or sitting and often ease with elevation. They include persistent leg heaviness or fatigue, aching or cramping in the calves, swelling in the ankles and lower legs, itching or a burning sensation over the affected vein, and skin changes such as discoloration or thickening near the ankles. In more advanced cases, venous ulcers can develop near the ankles, one of the more serious complications of unmanaged CVI.
Visible, bulging varicose veins are also a common sign of underlying venous insufficiency. If you've noticed both, the two concerns are likely connected.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment Options
Treatment at Vista Veins focuses on closing the damaged veins to restore proper circulation. Depending on the severity and location of the affected vessels, options include:
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Seals the incompetent vein from the inside using controlled heat
- Varithena: A prescription foam treatment for varicose veins in the great saphenous vein system
- Sclerotherapy: Used for associated smaller veins alongside other treatment approaches
Compression therapy is often recommended alongside procedural treatment to support circulation during recovery. While chronic venous insufficiency medications can help manage symptoms, they address the effects of the condition rather than the underlying vein problem. Your provider will discuss the combination of approaches that makes the most sense for your situation.
Is CVI Treatment Right for You?
CVI ranges from mild to significant, and treatment recommendations depend on the degree of reflux, the veins involved, and how your symptoms are affecting daily life. A consultation and ultrasound are the starting point for understanding what's actually going on.
If you're not sure whether your leg symptoms point to venous insufficiency, take our quiz to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the valves inside the leg veins fail to function properly, allowing blood to pool in the lower extremities instead of circulating back toward the heart. It is one of the most common underlying causes of varicose veins, leg swelling, and persistent leg heaviness, and it tends to worsen gradually if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency?
CVI symptoms include persistent leg heaviness or fatigue, aching or cramping, ankle and lower leg swelling, itching or burning over affected veins, and skin changes such as discoloration near the ankles. Symptoms are most pronounced after prolonged standing or sitting and improve with elevation. In advanced cases, venous ulcers can develop near the ankles.
What causes chronic venous insufficiency?
CVI develops when the one-way valves inside the leg veins weaken or become damaged, often due to a history of deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, excess body weight, or age. Genetics also play a role. The condition is more common in women and becomes more prevalent over time.
How do I find a chronic venous insufficiency doctor near me?
At Vista Veins, scheduling a consultation is straightforward. You can request an appointment online or call our office, and our team will find a time that works for you. We see patients promptly because CVI is a progressive condition, and earlier treatment leads to better outcomes. We look forward to welcoming you!