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Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Venous insufficiency occurs when a person's vein valves fail to function normally. This means that the veins are less capable of returning blood to the heart.
Venous insufficiency is frequently chronic as well. Leg and foot swelling, varicose veins, and hurting legs are all symptoms of this illness.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common cause of leg pain and swelling, often associated with varicose veins. It occurs when the vein valves cannot function properly, disrupting blood circulation in the leg veins. CVI can be caused by faulty venous valves or a vein obstruction.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots in the leg's deep veins, can cause both. If a clot forms in the superficial veins, DVT is exceedingly unlikely to occur. Varicose veins, swelling and colouring of the legs, itching, and the formation of ulcers near the ankles are all symptoms of CVI.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged to the point of being visible on the legs. This condition affects the superficial veins, which are closest to the skin. The damaged veins appear under the skin as blue bulging, twisted masses.
- Varicose veins are common in people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
- Excess blood collection in the superficial veins of the leg can result in varicose veins.
- Long periods of sitting or standing can cause increased pressure on the vein walls.
- This pressure extends the vein, weakening the one-way internal valves that open to allow blood to flow through and close to prevent blood from flowing backwards.
- Blood can back up and pool in your veins when these valves are compromised or broken, causing them to enlarge.
Similar to varicose veins seen with superficial veins, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that occurs when blood pools in the superficial and deep leg veins. CVI can occur with or without the presence of varicose veins.
This condition develops when the blood pressure in the veins is abnormally high. CVI can occur after veins have been damaged by injuries or blood clots. People with CVI often have a combination of symptoms.
Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) symptoms are initially minor, and people may dismiss them as caused by other conditions.
Your legs may feel sore and tired because of your day. However, if you suspect CVI, you should not ignore your symptoms or expect them to go away. The longer you go without therapy, the worse your symptoms will get.
The following are typical symptoms:
- Swelling in your lower legs and ankles
- Achy legs
- Tired legs
- Itchiness
- Dry skin
- Varicose veins
- An open sore or ulcer
CVI related to varicose veins are purple, twisting, elevated veins on your legs. Damaged vein valves also cause them.
Small blood vessels in your legs may break due to the pressure if CVI is not treated. Because of the ruptured blood vessel, your skin may have a reddish-brown colour and may develop ulcers or open sores.
Early Stages of Venous Insufficiency
During the initial phases of venous insufficiency, symptoms might be gentle and consist of:
- Swelling: Typically in the ankles and lower legs, caused by fluid retention (edema).
- Aching or heaviness: Particularly after extended periods of standing or sitting.
- Visible veins: Such as spider veins or varicose veins.
- Itching or burning: Around the veins that are affected.
- Skin changes: Such as dryness, discolouration, or thickening.
It is crucial to monitor and deal with these symptoms early on to avoid the advancement of venous insufficiency.
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Book an AppointmentRisk Factors of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency is more common in women and adults over the age of 50. Other risk factors are:
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying venous insufficiency is a physical examination. Before making a diagnosis, a doctor will also examine a person's medical history and current health status.
The following diagnostic methods can assist in identifying whether a person has venous insufficiency:
Venogram
This exam uses X-ray technology to examine the flow of blood through the veins. It involves the injection of contrast material into a vein. Physicians use venograms to detect blood clots and detect varicose veins.
Duplex Ultrasound
This noninvasive test determines the speed and direction of blood flow through veins and arteries.
Additional venous insufficiency medical tests may include:
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment
To treat venous insufficiency, the doctor may recommend the following self-care measures:
- Do not sit or stand for extended periods. Moving your legs even a little helps to keep the blood circulating.
- If you have any open sores or infections, take care of your wounds.
- If you are overweight, try to lose weight
- Regular exercise is essential.
- You can improve blood flow in your legs by wearing compression stockings.
- Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs, causing blood to flow up your legs. This helps in the prevention of leg edema and, to a lesser extent, blood clots.
If you have more extensive skin changes, your doctor will:
- Specify which skincare treatments can help and which can worsen the problem.
- Specify treatments or medicines that may help.
Your provider may offer more invasive treatments if you have:
- Leg pain, which may cause your legs to feel heavy or tired.
- Skin sores are caused by inadequate blood flow in the veins that do not heal or recur.
- Thickening and hardness of the skin of the legs and ankles (lipodermatosclerosis)
Procedure options include:
- Sclerotherapy involves injecting saltwater (saline) or a chemical solution into a vein. The vein hardens and then fades.
- Phlebectomy involves small surgical cuts (incisions) in the leg near the injured vein. The vein is removed by a single incision.
- Procedures that can be performed in a provider's office or clinic, such as those involving the use of a laser or radiofrequency.
- Varicose vein stripping is a procedure that is used to remove or tie off a major vein in the leg, known as the superficial saphenous vein.
- Nutritional deficiency
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Conclusion
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) presents with symptoms like leg swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes.
- Diagnosis involves physical exams and imaging tests like venograms or duplex ultrasounds.
- Treatment options range from self-care practices to medical procedures like sclerotherapy or phlebectomy.
- Early detection and appropriate treatment are essential for symptom relief and preventing complications, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
CVI (Chronic Venous Insufficiency) is mostly cured in its early stages. For patients with CVI, vascular medicine or vascular surgery doctors usually recommend a combination of therapy.
Yes, walking is beneficial. Exercise can also help with venous insufficiency. Exercising causes your heart to beat faster and improves blood flow in the lower legs.
Untreated varicose veins can cause serious complications such as rashes, infections, bleeding, ulceration, and blood clots. If your leg is already swollen, the problem may be exacerbated.
Varicose and spider veins do not just disappear, but they can often become less visible. You may also notice that symptoms subside, especially if you reduce weight or increase your physical activity.
To reduce the risk, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly to improve circulation, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, elevate legs when resting, wear compression stockings if recommended, and manage conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are two factors that can aggravate vein issues.
Improvement in symptoms like swelling and pain can vary, but with consistent treatment adherence, many individuals notice significant relief within weeks to months, depending on the severity of their condition.
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