Tips to Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Women are generally more likely than men to develop a condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

CVI is when your veins aren't working perfectly to drain blood from the legs. According to Mercy physician assistant Kyra Daigle, PA-C, of The Vascular Center at Mercy, it can happen to women of any age.

As women get older, the skin gets thinner, and that can make these veins more visible. There is also a large genetic component. Plus, hormones can increase the likelihood of getting CVI.

“It's important to know that this condition is not dangerous. It's just uncomfortable and can affect quality of life,” Daigle said. “So, obviously, for having symptoms that are really limiting, we want to do something about that to make you more comfortable, but most commonly, we see spider veins, bulging varicose veins — this can come with leg cramping, swelling, aching, throbbing. Sometimes, this can also lead to wounds down the line. So, certainly, if we don't get a handle on it early, it can progress.”

There are cosmetic treatments that can address the tiny spider veins, as well as other procedures to treat the larger bulging veins; however, they can come back, but lifestyle changes can help. Daigle said to use compression socks, elevate the legs after a long day, and be active.

View Kyra Daigle’s interview regarding CVI.