Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Many people who land on this page want to know one thing: “Why do my legs feel heavy, swollen, or uncomfortable — and is it something serious?” Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common cause of these symptoms. It happens when the valves in the leg veins do not work as well as they should, allowing blood to pool in the lower legs. This page explains CVI in clear, simple terms and describes how it is assessed in a clinical setting.
CVI and varicose veins are related, but they are not exactly the same. Varicose veins are visible surface veins that have become enlarged. CVI is the underlying problem that causes blood to flow the wrong way inside the veins. Some people have CVI without visible varicose veins, while others have varicose veins as part of CVI. Both conditions can be assessed with a clinical examination and a duplex ultrasound scan, which shows how the veins are working.
What causes chronic venous insufficiency?
CVI can develop for several reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Family history
- Age-related changes in the veins
- Pregnancy
- Long periods of standing or sitting
- Previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Leg injury
- Being overweight
You can also read the NHS overview of varicose veins and related vein problems here:NHS: Varicose veins.
Common symptoms
People with CVI may notice:
- Heavy or tired legs
- Swelling around the ankles
- Aching or throbbing
- Itching or dryness
- Visible varicose veins
- Skin darkening or thickening
- Cramping at night
- Restless legs
- In advanced cases, slow-healing wounds or ulcers
Symptoms often feel worse at the end of the day or after long periods of standing.
How CVI is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually involves two steps: a clinical assessment and a duplex ultrasound scan.
Clinical assessment: A qualified vascular surgeon will examine your legs in detail along with questions about your symptoms and medical history.
Duplex ultrasound scan: This is the key test for CVI. It shows which veins are working normally, which valves are not closing properly, and how blood is flowing through the leg. Read more here:Duplex Ultrasound Scan.
Why CVI matters
CVI is not just a cosmetic issue. When left untreated, it can progress and lead to increasing discomfort, skin inflammation, pigmentation changes, venous eczema, and leg ulcers. Early assessment helps reduce the risk of complications.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the pattern of vein reflux and the severity of symptoms. Options may include supportive measures or minimally invasive procedures. You can read more about the treatments we offer here:
If you have skin changes or a slow-healing wound, it is sensible to arrange an assessment early. The NHS also provides information on leg ulcers here:NHS: Leg ulcer. We have a specialised multidisciplinary leg ulcer clinic run by a fully qualified and experienced team of dedicated staff who work together to help your ulcer heal and provide advice on any surgical intervention or procedure that may be needed to prevent the ulcer from returning. This clinic has been helping local residents for more than 20-years. You can read about it in greater detail here .
How we help at our Swindon medical centre
As a consultant-led medical centre for vein problems in Swindon, we focus on clear diagnosis and a plan that matches your scan findings.
Your appointment includes a clinical assessment and a duplex ultrasound, followed by a clear explanation of what the scan shows and what options may be suitable. If you are suffering from ulcer disease, we can book you into our specialised venous ulcer clinic for an in-depth assessment.
If you would like an assessment for chronic venous insufficiency, you can contact our team directly:
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