Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)or Venous reflux disease affects about 20 percent of the population or nearly 24 million Americans and results in over 3 billion dollars spent in healthcare costs.
What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
CVI is due to a backflow of blood in the veins of the legs. Because the one-way valves do not completely close, the veins have increased pressure, become enlarged and dilated. Risk factors include pregnancy, hormonal changes, prolonged sitting or standing, and heredity. This in turn can result in swelling, especially at the end of the day, skin color changes (hyperpigmentation), hardening of the skin and eventually even ulceration.
How Can Chronic Venous Insufficiency Affect You?
 Skin changes are seen in the “gaiter” area. This area is located between the ankle and lower calf area. (See image.) Skin changes are due to chronic inflammatory changes in the tissues of the lower leg. Swelling can cause inflammatory proteins, red cells and white cells to go into the tissue around the ankle causing an inflammatory reaction. The tissue then becomes dry and thickened over time. The skin can change to a pinkish color. Later, the skin changes to a thick texture and brown in color. The tissue becomes firm and stiff. Ulceration can eventually occur.
What Should You Do?
It is important to have a thorough evaluation and assessment of your venous system to determine the best treatments available. Treatment is aimed at improving symptoms and whenever possible, correcting the underlying problem. Long term healing of skin changes will generally not occur if the source of high pressure is not corrected. It has been shown that laser ablation and chemical therapies are effective.
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