Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

‍What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), also called venous reflux disease, occurs when the valves inside the leg veins become weakened or damaged. These valves normally keep blood flowing upward toward the heart. When they fail, blood leaks backward and begins to pool in the lower legs, increasing venous pressure and causing symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, and visible varicose veins.

CVI is often associated with:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — blood clots that damage the valves
Vascular malformations
Pelvic tumors (rare)
Age-related valve weakening
In some cases, no identifiable cause

When left untreated, CVI can progressively worsen and lead to complications like skin changes and venous ulcers.

Who Is at Risk for CVI?

CVI is common—affecting an estimated 40% of adults in the U.S. Risk increases with:

Age 50+
Female sex
Limited mobility
Sitting or standing for long periods
Obesity
Prior DVT or blood clots
Family history of vein disease
Pregnancy

Anyone experiencing ongoing symptoms should be evaluated by a vein specialist.

Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Speak with a provider if you notice:

Swelling of the lower legs or ankles (often worse after standing)
New or worsening varicose veins
Aching, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs
Flaking, itching, or irritated skin
Skin that becomes thickened, leathery, or discolored
Venous stasis ulcers (open wounds that are slow to heal)

These symptoms often progress if treatment is delayed.

Treatment Options for CVI

CVI is highly treatable—especially with early intervention. Treatment depends on the severity of the reflux and may include conservative, minimally invasive, or surgical options.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Sclerotherapy

A specialized solution is injected into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and eventually disappear.
Best for: smaller varicose veins and spider veins
Benefits: in-office procedure, no anesthesia, minimal downtime

Endovenous Thermal Ablation (Laser or Radiofrequency)

A thin catheter delivers heat to the diseased vein, sealing it closed and rerouting blood to healthier veins.
Benefits: minimally invasive, fast recovery, little discomfort, high success rate

Surgical Options

Used when minimally invasive treatments are not sufficient.

Ligation and Stripping

The vein is tied off and removed through small incisions.
Recovery: several days to 10 days
Used for: larger or more complex varicose veins

CVI Treatment Near You

If you live in Walnut Creek, Alamo, Alameda, Danville, Brentwood, Antioch, or anywhere in Northern California, BASS Vein Center is here to help. Our specialists provide comprehensive evaluations and advanced treatment options to relieve your symptoms and restore healthy circulation.