Venous insufficiency

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Definition

Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart.

See also:

Alternative Names

Chronic venous insufficiency

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Venous insufficiency involves one or more veins. Valves in the veins usually push the flow of blood toward the heart. When these valves are damaged, the blood leaks and pools in the legs and feet. The condition may also be caused by a blockage in a vein from a clot (deep vein thrombosis).

Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition. It occurs because of partial vein blockage or blood leakage around the valves of the veins.

Risk factors for venous insufficiency include:

  • Age
  • Being female (related to levels of the hormone progesterone)
  • Being tall
  • Genetic factors
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Prolonged sitting or standing
Symptoms
  • Dull aching, heaviness, or cramping in legs
  • Itching and tingling
  • Pain gets worse when standing
  • Pain gets better when legs are raised
  • Swelling of the legs

People with chronic venous insufficiency may also have:

  • Redness of legs and ankles
  • Skin color changes around the ankles
  • Superficial (on the surface) varicose veins
  • Thickening of the skin on legs and ankles
  • Ulcers on the legs and ankles
Treatment

The following steps can be taken to help manage venous insufficiency:

  • Aggressive wound care should be taken if any skin breakdown or infection occurs.
  • Avoid long periods of sitting or standing. Even moving your legs slightly will help the blood in your veins return to your heart.
  • Use compression stockings to decrease chronic swelling.

In the future, new therapies may target inflammatory damage being done to the veins and skin.

Illustrations and Images
References

Bergen JJ, Shmidt-Shonbein GW, Smith PD, et al. Chronic venous disease. N Engl J Med. 2006;355(5):488-98.

McPhee S, Papadakis M, Tierney L. Chronic venous insufficiency. In: 2008 Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. 47th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2007:chap 12.

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Review date: April 29, 2008
Reviewed by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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