Vascular and Vein Care Center

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a progressive disease that affects the leg veins, which carry the oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. If a blood clot, varicose veins, or other malfunction restricts blood flow, it can cause blood to back up and pool in the legs, a condition known as venous insufficiency.

Symptoms may include swelling, pain, leg fatigue, and changes in the skin. If left untreated, leg ulcers, a serious complication of CVI, can occur.

Varicose veins occur when there is a problem with the valves in the veins of the legs. The valves are supposed to help move blood up to the heart, but if a valve is weak or faulty, the blood flows backward into the legs instead. This is called venous reflux.

As the blood pools, the veins become engorged and appear raised and rope-like, with a dark blue-to-black hue. Varicose veins may cause the legs to swell and feel heavy, tender, or painful.

Spider veins are much smaller than varicose veins and appear like a spider web. They are closer to the skin’s surface, although are not raised. While spider veins may be associated with CVI, they are typically considered a cosmetic concern.

Deep veins refer to the larger veins located deep in the muscles of the leg. If a blood clot (thrombus) develops in one of these veins, it can partially or completely block the flow of blood to the heart. This condition is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Symptoms of DVT may include swelling, discoloration, warmth, and cramping.

If the blood clot breaks loose from the leg vein, it can lodge in the lungs. This life-threatening situation is called a pulmonary embolism, which can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.

If chronic venous insufficiency goes untreated, ulcers may develop on the lower legs and ankles. These wounds occur due to the build-up of blood in the lower legs, which decreases circulation and increases blood pressure. They are slow to heal due to lack of blood circulation. If not treated, leg ulcers can become severely infected and may ultimately result in amputation of the lower leg.