Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a form of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) that occurs when valves inside the veins can’t return blood back to the heart properly. Instead, blood moves the wrong way through the valve, pooling inside the vein and causing symptoms like varicose veins, pain, and skin changes. Left untreated, the pressure inside the veins leads to swelling, inflammation, skin changes and eventually open wounds.

What causes CVI?

CiC offers cutting-edge minimally invasive treatments for CVI and varicose veins that take the place of surgery. We reach the problem veins through a tiny nick in your skin and seal them off. Blood will automatically find new paths through different, healthy veins, and symptoms will become less.

Valve damage in veins can be hereditary or it may be the result of a previous blood clot inside the vein. Risk factors for developing CVI include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, sitting or standing for long periods, and muscle weakness in the legs.

Symptoms of CVI

Common symptoms of CVI include:

• Leg or ankle swelling (edema)
• Varicose Veins
• Leg cramps
• Pain that worsens when standing and improves when legs are raised
• Aching, heaviness, throbbing in the legs
• Leg itching
• Leg weakness
• A reddish, purplish or brown rash on the legs
• Venous ulcers (wounds)

Treating CVI

We can easily diagnose CVI using X-ray or ultrasound imaging. If you do have CVI, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners, diuretics and/or a medication to improve blood flow. You may also be asked to do certain things at home like wear compression stockings, elevate your legs, and not cross your legs when sitting.

Preventing CVI

If you have a family history of CVI or other risk factors, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of developing the condition.

• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Get up and walk around or stretch your legs frequently. If you are traveling by car, make frequent stops.
• Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, take steps to quit.
• Make exercise a regular habit.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

We treat the following: