Common Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

One of the most common signs of CVI is a persistent, dull ache or pain in the legs. This discomfort often intensifies after standing or sitting for long periods and may improve when you elevate your legs.

The pain is caused by the increased pressure in your veins as blood struggles to return to your heart.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs and is frequently described as a creepy-crawly sensation.

While the exact cause of RLS varies, it is frequently caused by Chronic Venous Insufficiency—a treatable condition!

In fact, treating the underlying vein issues may be all you need to alleviate your RLS symptoms.

Leg cramps, especially at night, are another symptom of CVI. These sudden, painful muscle contractions may be linked to poor circulation in the legs.

When blood isn’t flowing properly, muscles may not get the oxygen and nutrients they need, leading to cramping.

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are caused by prolonged venous insufficiency, which causes fluid to accumulate under the skin. Nutrients and oxygen cannot get to the skin, which becomes damaged.

These factors, along with inflammatory substances which leak from blood vessels, eventually lead to an open wound.

Without proper treatment, these wounds can worsen, become infected, or cause long-term damage.

Do your legs feel unusually tired or fatigued, even after minimal activity? This could be a sign of CVI.

Blood pooling in the legs leads to increased heaviness and fatigue, making even everyday tasks more exhausting than usual.

Many people with CVI report a feeling of heaviness or "weighted" legs. This sensation often worsens as the day goes on, especially after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.

The heaviness is due to the accumulation of blood in the lower legs, which increases pressure and slows circulation.

Burning or itching sensations in the legs can also be linked to CVI. This may be caused by inflammation in the affected veins and surrounding tissue.

In some cases, itching can lead to scratching, which may damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.

Lymphatic vessels are responsible for getting fluid out of the soft tissues of your legs. These vessels empty the excess fluid into your veins.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) does not allow the lymphatics to drain fluid into the veins and is the most common cause of lymphedema.

​

Lymphedema, plainly, means there's excess fluid in soft tissues, such as fat or muscle.