Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a vein condition caused by weakened valves within our veins. Instead of pumping blood towards our heart, these valves allow blood to flow backwards and pool within our legs and feet. CVI is often associated with other health conditions including varicose veins, superficial thrombophlebitis (phlebitis), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms and procedures available for chronic venous insufficiency, to help provide a better understanding of the condition so that you can effectively treat it once and for all.
What are the causes of chronic vein insufficiency?
It is difficult to determine the causes of CVI, however, the following factors can increase the likelihood of having it:
- Women
- Overweight
- Lack of movement (sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time)
- Elderly (50+ years-old)
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Family history of chronic venous insufficiency and blood clots
What are the symptoms of chronic vein insufficiency?
Patients have reported a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Varicose veins – enlarged / swollen, twisted unsightly prominent veins in the legs;
- Painful, achy, itchy, restless (at night) or tired legs and feet;
- Oedema – localised swelling in the legs and feet;
- Lipodermatosclerosis – discoloured skin (pink or brown) that is fragile, hard or tight in texture;
- Phlebitis – inflammation of veins near the surface of the skin;
- Varicose eczema – warm, itchy, scaly/flaky skin; and
- Ulcers – painful, open sores prone to infection that will not heal with simple measures.
What are the treatment options for chronic venous insufficiency?
If you are ever in doubt about your chronic vein insufficiency, particularly if your symptoms do not ease or get worse after 2 weeks, we recommend speaking to an expert vascular consultant like the ones we have here in the Premier Veins team.
The consultant will perform a detailed examination including a medical history and symptoms overview, and a non-invasive duplex ultrasound scan. This will allow them to assess blood flow and detect poorly functioning valves to help fully determine the underlying cause of your condition and provide a diagnosis and information on the best treatment plans available to you.
How can we help?
At Premier Veins, we offer a FREE no-obligation consultation for anyone considering treatment at one of our private clinics across the West Midlands, including Birmingham and Solihull. The consultation will provide you with an opportunity to:
- Meet the award-winning team of vascular consultant surgeons who will be carrying out your treatment;
- Discuss our minimally invasive treatment options and all-inclusive pricing plans; and
- Ask any questions that you may have about our services.
To get started, click here and book your FREE no-obligation consultation or call 0333 366 2246 to speak to a member of our friendly receptionist team today.