Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Understanding the root cause of vein disease and how Dr. Reincke restores healthy circulation.
Understanding CVI
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition where the veins in your legs have trouble sending blood back to the heart. It occurs when the delicate one-way valves become damaged or weak, allowing gravity to pull blood downward instead of flowing upward.
This causes blood to pool in the lower legs, creating high pressure within the veins. unlike temporary swelling, CVI is a long-term condition. It prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching your tissues, which can lead to significant skin changes and discomfort over time.
Recognizing the Signs
CVI symptoms are often more severe than simple spider veins. You should schedule an evaluation if you notice these progressive signs:
- Persistent swelling (edema) in ankles
- Reddish or brown skin discoloration
- Leathery or thickening skin texture
- Itchy, flaky skin (Venous Eczema)
- Slow-healing sores or ulcers
Why Treatment is Critical
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a progressive disease that requires medical intervention; it does not improve on its own. Without treatment, the constant high pressure can eventually damage the tissues in your lower leg, leading to permanent skin damage and difficult-to-treat venous ulcers. Our goal is to correct the underlying reflux using minimally invasive techniques, relieving the pressure and preventing these serious complications before they start.
Many patients mistake skin discoloration near the ankles for a rash, bug bites, or "age spots." This is often Stasis Dermatitis, a direct result of blood pooling under the skin. If you see pigment changes in your lower legs, it is a critical warning sign of CVI—schedule a vascular screening immediately.
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