If you’re unsure what is causing discomfort in your leg, try asking your doctor about Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). CVI is a condition that occurs when blood gets backed up and sits in the veins. This prevents blood from properly flowing to the heart. It is important to identify what is causing your leg discomfort because it affects your mobility and quality of life. If you want to find out more about chronic venous insufficiency treatment, here are five questions for you to ask your doctor.

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What are the symptoms of CVI?

Symptoms of CVI include swelling, tight or painful feeling in the calves, walking pains, cramps, leg ulcers, skin discoloration, and varicose veins. If CVI goes untreated, these symptoms can worsen and new ones can potentially form. Pain may worsen and you could see changes in your skin. It is difficult to determine if these symptoms are solely caused by CVI, so it is important to ask your doctor. Your doctor will be able to individually examine your case and help determine the cause of your discomfort. 

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What are the causes of CVI?

CVI occurs frequently in adults over the age of 50. As much as 40%of all people in the United States are estimated to have CVI. While it is a common condition, some people are more at risk than others. CVI is more likely to occur in women, especially those who are pregnant. The condition can also run in families, so checking with your loved ones may be helpful. Previously occurring leg injuries or surgeries can make you more at risk for CVI. A history of blood clots can also put you at risk.

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What treatments are available to me?

There are many different treatment options for CVI to suit your comfort level and needs. Minimally invasive treatment include Sclerotherapy and Endovenous Thermal Ablation. Other treatments, such as ligation and stripping, require surgery. 

Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure that usually can be completed in about an hour. Since it is minimally invasive, it can be done right in a doctor’s office. Sclerotherapy treats varicose veins by targeting smaller varicose veins with a small, liquid injection. This injection causes the vein to disintegrate. The blood will move to healthier veins as the treated vein completely disappears. Endovenous Thermal Ablation uses a similar process but uses lasers instead of the liquid injection.

While ligation and stripping are both surgical procedures. The recovery should take no longer than 10 days. Stripping works by accessing and removing two larger veins. Ligation is a group of procedures that has a slightly longer recovery than stripping. 

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What risks are there from treatment?

Since most treatments are inpatient and fairly quick, you do not have to worry about an extended stay for a small procedure, which makes it accessible during the pandemic. Treatments only require local anesthesia to treat a certain area of the body. Most patients only experience smaller side effects such as skin redness, itchiness, and mild bruising. 

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How can I get treated near me? 

At BASS Vein Center (925) 281-5912, our medical experts are fully trained to get you the best treatment and care in the greater East Bay Area. If you are located in Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Concord, Antioch, Brentwood, Castro Valley, Alamo, or Oakland areas, we are here for you. We will review your medical history to ensure we know exactly how to treat you and personalize your care. You can reach BASS Vein Center to schedule an appointment or for any questions or concerns. Our expert staff of vein specialists is here to help you and make your CVI treatment a comfortable one.