Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a progressive condition that affects how blood flows from your legs back to your heart. While it might begin with mild discomfort, ignoring the early signs of CVI can lead to long-term complications like skin changes, venous ulcers, or deep vein thrombosis. The good news? Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
The first symptoms often go unnoticed—slight swelling after a long day, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs. But over time, CVI worsens. You might notice varicose veins, leg cramps at night, or skin discoloration near the ankles. These signs indicate that the one-way valves in your leg veins are no longer functioning effectively, allowing blood to pool instead of flow upward.
At Gauld Vein and Vascular, we offer several options to treat CVI and prevent it from progressing. These include non-invasive solutions like compression therapy, as well as advanced procedures like endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy.
Risks and Complications of Untreated CVI
If left untreated, CVI can lead to more severe issues:
- Skin hardening or hyperpigmentation (often referred to as lipodermatosclerosis)
- Open sores that don’t heal, known as venous leg ulcers
- A higher risk of infections or blood clots
FAQs
Is CVI preventable?
While you can’t change risk factors like age or family history, staying active, managing your weight, and elevating your legs can all reduce your risk.
Can CVI go away on its own?
Unfortunately, CVI doesn’t resolve without medical intervention. However, many symptoms are manageable with proper care.
If you’re noticing any signs of CVI, don’t wait to take action. Book your consultation today and let our team help you feel better, faster.
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