Chronic Venous Insufficiency, or CVI, is a progressive condition that often develops slowly and silently—yet its impact on your quality of life can be significant if left untreated. Affecting millions of adults across the United States, CVI occurs when the veins in the legs are no longer able to return blood efficiently back to the heart. While some people might dismiss symptoms like heavy legs or mild swelling as signs of aging or fatigue, these are often the earliest indicators of a deeper circulatory issue. At Laser Vascular Center, we specialize in identifying and managing conditions like CVI before they lead to serious complications. Understanding what CVI is, how to recognize the warning signs early, and what long-term care looks like can help you take control of your vascular health before more invasive treatment becomes necessary.

CVI develops when the valves in the leg veins—which are supposed to keep blood flowing in one direction toward the heart—become weak or damaged. As a result, blood begins to pool in the legs, increasing venous pressure and leading to symptoms that gradually worsen over time. The early signs can be subtle: you might notice your legs feel unusually tired or heavy at the end of the day, especially after long periods of standing or sitting. You may see swelling around the ankles that improves overnight, or you might feel a dull ache, itching, or cramping in your calves. While these symptoms might not initially seem alarming, they signal that the veins are under stress and struggling to function properly. Ignoring these signs often leads to more advanced issues, including visible varicose veins, skin discoloration, and even painful venous ulcers.

Recognizing CVI in its early stages is essential for both symptom relief and long-term management. Unfortunately, many individuals wait until the condition becomes more advanced before seeking medical help, at which point treatment may be more complex. In later stages, CVI can cause the skin on the lower legs to become thickened, dry, and discolored—often taking on a brownish hue due to blood pigment deposits. The skin may feel leathery or itchy, and small injuries can take longer to heal. In severe cases, ulcers may form near the ankles and become resistant to treatment unless the underlying venous pressure is corrected. At Laser Vascular Center, we urge patients not to wait until these more advanced symptoms appear. By identifying CVI early, we can offer targeted interventions that may reverse the progression and dramatically improve comfort and mobility.

Diagnosing CVI begins with a comprehensive vascular evaluation. At Laser Vascular Center, we utilize non-invasive diagnostic tools, such as duplex ultrasound, to assess blood flow and detect valve dysfunction or vein enlargement. This imaging allows us to map out the specific veins involved and determine the severity of reflux (the backward flow of blood). Once we understand the full picture, we can design a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle, goals, and overall health. In many cases, conservative therapy is the first step—this includes the use of medical-grade compression stockings, regular leg elevation, physical activity to improve calf muscle pump function, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.

For patients with moderate to severe CVI or those who do not respond adequately to conservative care, we offer advanced, minimally invasive procedures designed to correct the underlying venous dysfunction. Treatments such as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy can seal off the faulty veins, allowing blood to reroute through healthy vessels. These procedures are typically performed in-office, require little to no downtime, and offer excellent outcomes in terms of symptom relief and long-term circulation improvement. At Laser Vascular Center, our team has extensive experience in these techniques, and we’re committed to using the most precise, up-to-date methods to deliver lasting results with minimal disruption to your daily life.

Managing CVI is not a one-time event—it’s a lifelong commitment to vascular health. Even after successful treatment, patients must remain vigilant to prevent recurrence. This includes adhering to lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise (like walking or swimming), wearing compression stockings as recommended, and elevating the legs throughout the day to reduce pressure in the veins. Smoking cessation and blood pressure management are also critical, as both factors can influence vein health. At Laser Vascular Center, we provide ongoing support and monitoring for our patients, helping you stay on track with your care and catch any signs of recurrence early. Our goal is to empower you with the tools, knowledge, and medical oversight needed to maintain strong, healthy veins for the long haul.

If you suspect you may be dealing with early symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency—or if you’ve been diagnosed and are looking for expert guidance on how to manage the condition effectively—our team is here to help. We believe that vascular care should be proactive, patient-centered, and rooted in the latest medical science. That’s why we take the time to explain each step of your care, answer your questions, and work closely with you to create a strategy that fits your unique needs. Whether you’re beginning your journey toward healthier legs or are looking to prevent complications down the line, Laser Vascular Center is your trusted partner in achieving better circulation, less discomfort, and a healthier life.

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