Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is an advanced stage of vein disease in which the veins of the leg no longer allow normal blood flow (they become incompetent). This occurs when the valves inside the veins no longer function properly. Under normal circumstances, blood in the veins is only allowed to flow in one direction, back toward the heart. If, however, the valves are compromised for some reason, blood is allowed to flow backward, away from the heart. This raises blood pressure in the veins of the legs, which may lead to a variety of health problems, including pain, swelling, discoloration or ulcers that do not heal. 

Damaged valves may be the result of deep vein thrombosis, lifestyle factors such as standing for a long time at work, age, injury or surgery, or from genetic factors. CVI is more common in obese individuals, in women after pregnancy, or in those with a family history of the condition. 

To treat CVI, physicians will often recommend elevating the legs, sometimes in conjunction with compression therapy using special stockings that encourage blood flow back to the heart. This helps prevent the blood from pooling in the leg and creating high blood pressure within the leg veins, which gradually prevents oxygen from reaching the surrounding tissue, thus causing damage.

Other treatments include surgery on the legs, less-invasive therapies and certain medications that help restore blood flow. It is very important for people with CVI to carefully follow their physician’s orders. Without careful management of this condition, additional venous problems are likely to develop.