Common Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) Symptoms & Treatments

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common but often overlooked medical condition that primarily affects the veins in your legs.

An older man, staring out a window with a concerned look of contemplation.

CVI occurs when the valves in your veins are weakened or damaged, making it difficult for blood to flow back to your heart.

This causes blood to pool in your legs, leading to uncomfortable symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

If left untreated, CVI can worsen over time.

Understanding the symptoms is the first step in recognizing the condition and seeking appropriate treatment.

Below, we break down some of the most common symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and what they mean for your health.

1. Aching and Pain

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.

2. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

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.

It triggers uncomfortable sensations, such as tingling or aching. These symptoms typically worsen in the evening or at night, making it difficult to relax or get restful sleep.

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.

3. Leg Cramping

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.

4. Ulcers (Leg Wounds)

Leg wounds occur when the body’s natural healing process is disrupted, often due to impaired blood flow or other medical conditions.

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.

Experiencing any of these symptoms so far? If so, it's likely time to consult a specialist.

Chronic venous insufficiency can be difficult to spot, as these symptoms are often overlooked or incorrectly linked to other, more well-known conditions.

Schedule an appointment today to be certain about your vein health.

5. Tiredness and Fatigue

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.

6. Heaviness

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.

7. Burning or Itching

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.

8. Swelling or Edema

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.

This disease leads to swelling in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body. This swelling may result from surgery, radiation therapy, infection, or other medical conditions, including genetic predisposition.

This chronic condition not only affects physical health but can also impact daily life by limiting mobility, causing discomfort, and reducing overall quality of life.

When to Seek Treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a vein specialist.

Left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to more serious complications, including blood clots and long-term skin damage.

The good news? There are effective, minimally invasive treatments available that can relieve your symptoms and improve your vein health.

Treatments like radiofrequency ablation (RFA), sclerotherapy, and compression therapy can help restore proper blood flow, reduce discomfort, and prevent further complications.

Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Legs

If you have restlessness, heaviness, aching, swelling, throbbing, or itchiness in your legs—or you notice varicose veins or spider veins—give us a call at 877-432-2184.

If you'd prefer to schedule online, click here, and take the first step toward healthier, happier legs.

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