Condition
Venous Insufficiency.
When valves stop working, blood pools in the legs.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) occurs when leg vein valves no longer move blood efficiently back to the heart. Pressure builds, and over months to years it produces swelling, skin changes, and—if untreated—venous ulcers.
Common symptoms
- Persistent leg swelling
- Heaviness, fatigue, aching
- Skin discoloration (brown/red) near ankles
- Skin thickening or eczema
- Slow-healing wounds
What causes it
- Damaged or absent vein valves
- History of DVT
- Long-standing varicose veins
- Obesity, pregnancy, prolonged standing
Treatment options
- Compression therapy
- RFA / EVLA / VenaSeal of refluxing veins
- Lifestyle and weight management
- Wound care for advanced disease
When to see a specialist
Any persistent leg swelling, skin discoloration, or non-healing wound near the ankle warrants prompt evaluation by a vein specialist.
Most patients qualify for insurance coverage.
A 4-step path: symptoms · ultrasound · conservative therapy · approval.
Related conditions
Keep learning.
01
Varicose Veins
Twisted, enlarged veins—often a sign of underlying venous reflux.
02
Spider Veins
Small, web-like surface veins. Usually cosmetic, sometimes more.
03
Leg Swelling
Persistent swelling can point to venous or lymphatic problems.
04
Venous Ulcers
Slow-healing wounds tied to long-term vein disease.
05
Leg Pain & Heaviness
That tired, aching feeling at the end of the day.