Chronic Venous Disease

Chronic Venous Disease (CVD)—also known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)—is a condition where the veins in your legs don’t work properly, making it difficult for blood to flow back up to your heart. Instead, blood pools in the legs, increasing pressure in the veins and leading to a range of symptoms and complications

🩺 What Causes It?

• Damaged vein valves: Normally, valves in your leg veins keep blood moving upward. If they fail, blood flows backward.

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A past blood clot can scar the vein and impair flow.

• Prolonged standing/sitting: Increases pressure in leg veins.

• Obesity, pregnancy, smoking: These raise your risk.

• Genetics: Family history plays a role

⚠️ Common Symptoms

• Swelling in legs or ankles

• Varicose veins

• Aching or heaviness in the legs

• Brownish skin discoloration near the ankles

• Leg ulcers or sores that are slow to heal

• Restless legs or cramps

🧠 How It Affects You

Without treatment, CVD can lead to:

• Skin breakdown and ulcers

• Increased risk of infection

• Reduced mobility and quality of life

🛠 Treatment Options

• Compression stockings to improve circulation

• Leg elevation to reduce swelling

• Exercise to boost blood flow

• Medications to support healing

• Surgical options for severe cases (e.g., vein ablation or bypass)