What You Need to Know about Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency or CVI is one of the top causes of varicose veins, as well as the uncomfortable symptoms that often accompany them. The Vascular Disease Foundation estimates that as many as 20 percent of adults have this condition, making this one of the most common chronic conditions in North America today. Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatment options for CVI that address the condition and its accompanying symptoms with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Causes of Venous Insufficiency
CVI originates in the veins, the vessels in the body responsible for carrying blood back to the heart. The veins in the lower legs have a much harder job than the rest of the veins in the body, since they have to work against the forces of gravity and the weight of the body to push blood back up the legs to the heart. This extra work makes the veins in the lower legs more likely to wear out or become damaged over time, which is why CVI often originates in the legs.
Another cause of CVI is the formation of a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body, often in the legs. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, a potentially serious condition that often develops without visible symptoms. Other possible causes include inflammation of a superficial vein, vascular deformities or pelvic tumors. It is important to have your condition assessed by a vascular specialist that can determine if another underlying condition needs to be addressed.
Symptoms can Indicate Condition is Worsening
When noticeable symptoms develop, they can be an indication that CVI is becoming more serious. Some of those symptoms might include:
- Fatigued legs by the end of the day
- Swelling or aching of the lower legs and foot
- The onset of restless leg syndrome (RLS)
- The appearance of spider or varicose veins
- Skin discoloration or the formation of open sores
Treating CVI in the earlier stages is often more successful than treating advanced disease. At the first sign of symptoms, it is best to meet with a vascular specialist to get a thorough evaluation of your condition and learn your treatment options.
Treatment Options Available
At Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan, we offer a variety of treatment options for CVI and varicose veins that allow us to tailor the treatment to the unique needs of each patient. Most treatments are minimally-invasive, which means you will experience little discomfort during treatment and be able to return to regular activities right after your procedure. To learn more about our treatment choices, contact Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan at 212-204-6501.
