Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic Venous Insufficiency Edema

• Typically slow and progressive circulation disorder

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Varicose veins

• Chronic venous insufficiency‐faulty valves

This refers to insufficient venous return. It is an advanced stage of venous disease where the veins and muscles pump activities become incompetent. Venous insufficiencies affects directly the lymphatic system.  This occurs when the venous wall and / or valves in the leg are not working properly causing blood to pool in the legs, resulting in swelling

Chronic Venous Insufficiency won't get better if left untreated and can become very serious, potentially leading to venous stasis ulcers.

Who is At Risk for Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

• Varicose veins or a family history of varicose veins / CVI

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Pregnancy

• Inactivity

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing

• Female sex

• Age over 50

What are Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency? 

• Swelling in the lower legs, especially after prolonged sitting or standing

• New varicose veins

• Aching, heaviness, or tiredness in the legs

• Flaky or itchy skin of the legs

• Skin of the legs appears leathery

• Venous stasis ulcers

Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatable?

Yes can be treatable with Compression stockings, exercising regularly and Complete Decongestive Therapy/Manual Lymphatic drainage Vodder technique

Also you should:

• Avoid extended periods of standing or sitting

• Elevate your legs while laying down or sitting (so that your legs are above your heart)

• Lose weight if you are overweight

• Antibiotics or medicine (to treat infection)

• Practice good skin hygiene

• Non-surgical treatment (i.e. sclerotherapy or endovenous thermal ablation)

• Surgical treatment (i.e. ligation and stripping, microincision / ambulatory phlebectomy, or vein bypass)

• While anyone may develop CVI in their life, there are several risk factors that increase the probability of developing it.

Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency can include:

If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have CVI, please consult with your medical professional.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency has a variety of treatment options available, depending on the stage of the condition:

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is used primarily in the treatment of lymphedema and Venous Insufficiency edema. 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage in conjunction with compression garment, 

a good healthy balanced diet, and exercises can help control the progression of Lymphedema, lipedema and the control of the edema in CVI.

There is not cure for Lymphedema, Lipedema or CVI conditions; but doctor specialized in lymphatic system and scientific research suggest the importance and the impact of Manual lymphatic drainage MLD/CDT in the management of the condition's progression.

Tables and picture courtesy of the book Lymphedema Management, the comprehensive Guide for Practitioner. Joachim E. Zuther & Steve Norton