What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Medically verified
Last updated on 1/29/2026
By Dr. Michael Nguyen
Vein Doctor at Vein Treatment Clinic
Harvard Medical School
Board Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
Chronic venous insufficiency, often called CVI, is a form of chronic vein disease in which the veins in the legs cannot move blood efficiently back toward the heart. In simple terms, it is a condition caused by vein valve failure that leads to poor circulation in the leg veins.
Over time, this backward blood flow, also known as venous reflux disease, increases pressure inside the veins and contributes to swelling, skin changes, discomfort, and other chronic venous insufficiency symptoms.
Understanding what chronic venous insufficiency is helps patients recognize early warning signs and seek evaluation before complications develop.
If you’re experiencing ongoing leg symptoms and aren’t sure why, a vein evaluation can help determine whether chronic venous insufficiency is the cause.
What causes chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency develops when the one way valves inside the leg veins fail to close properly. This valve dysfunction allows blood to flow backward instead of returning efficiently to the heart.
Over time, this persistent backward flow, known as venous reflux, increases pressure in the veins and drives the progression of chronic vein disease.
How does chronic venous insufficiency affect circulation?
Backward blood flow increases pressure within the veins, stretching vein walls over time.
This pressure affects surrounding tissues and leads to swelling, skin changes, and visible veins.
Understand Your Veins – See How Your Flow Changes
What are common symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency?
Common symptoms include leg swelling, heaviness, aching, fatigue, itching, and skin discoloration near the ankles.
Symptoms often worsen later in the day and improve with leg elevation.
Does This Sound Like You? Check Your Symptoms
Symptom Checker
How is chronic venous insufficiency related to varicose veins?
Varicose veins are often a visible sign of underlying venous reflux disease. While not every patient with chronic venous insufficiency develops large varicose veins, both conditions share the same root problem of vein valve failure.
The Connection: See How One Condition Leads to Another
Can chronic venous insufficiency get worse over time?
Yes. Chronic venous insufficiency is a progressive condition if left untreated.
Over time, symptoms may worsen and skin changes or ulcers can develop.
What skin changes are associated with chronic venous insufficiency?
Skin changes may include darkening, thickening, dryness, itching, or a tight, leathery appearance near the ankles.
These changes indicate long-standing vein pressure and should be evaluated.
Beyond Looks – See if Your Veins Impact Your Health
Table of contents
1. What causes chronic venous insufficiency?
2. How does chronic venous insufficiency affect circulation?
3. What are common symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency?
4. How is chronic venous insufficiency related to varicose veins?
5. Can chronic venous insufficiency get worse over time?
6. What skin changes are associated with chronic venous insufficiency?
7. How is chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed?
8. How is chronic venous insufficiency treated?
9. What happens if chronic venous insufficiency is left untreated?
Get treated by vein treatment industry leaders
Results that speak for themselves
You can expect results like these with our specialized treatments for spider & varicose veins performed by the best experts in the country.
Before
After
A 37-year-old patient visited our Vein Treatment Clinic, seeking relief from unsightly and painful varicose and spider veins. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, significantly improving the veins’ appearance and completely eliminating discomfort. The patient is now enjoying a more active and pain-free lifestyle.
Before
After
A 69 year-old patient visited our California Vein Clinic, embarrassed by spider veins that had impacted their self-esteem. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, leaving their legs smooth and healthy. The patient now feels more confident, thanks to this transformative treatment.
Before
After
This 84 year-old patient at our New Jersey Vein Treatment Clinic came in with spider veins that had affected their daily routine. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments to relieve discomfort and restore both their leg health and confidence. The patient now enjoys a more active and fulfilling lifestyle, free from pain.
Before
After
At our Long Island Vein Clinic, we treated this 75 year-old patient with spider veins using radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy. These minimally invasive treatments improved both the patient’s appearance and overall well-being, offering transformative results.
Before
After
This 75 year-old patient visited our Long Island Vein Treatment Clinic with painful spider veins. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy, minimally invasive treatments, to eliminate the veins and restore comfort and confidence. The patient experienced life-changing results
How is chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and vein ultrasound to assess blood flow and valve function.
Ultrasound identifies venous reflux and helps guide treatment planning.
Get a Peek Inside Your Veins—Book Your Ultrasound Evaluation.
How is chronic venous insufficiency treated?
Treatment focuses on improving blood flow by addressing malfunctioning veins.
Modern treatment options are usually non-surgical and tailored to the severity of disease.
What happens if chronic venous insufficiency is left untreated?
Untreated CVI can lead to worsening swelling, skin damage, inflammation, and venous ulcers.
Early evaluation and treatment can reduce the risk of complications.
Most PPO insurances cover vein treatment!
and 100+ more
Speak with an expert at 844-690-1788
< Symptoms of Vein Disease
What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency? >
About the Medical Team at Vein Treatment Clinic
Vein Treatment Clinic is powered by VIP Medical Group and built around a single guiding principle: deliver the highest standard of vein care using an academic, evidence-based approach combined with the most advanced, minimally invasive technology available today.
Clinical leadership at Vein Treatment Clinic is guided by board-certified vein specialists, including Dr. Michael Nguyen, whose training and experience help shape the clinic’s rigorous standards of care.
All physicians at Vein Treatment Clinic follow a structured, highly standardized clinical model. This includes ongoing training in the latest non-surgical vein treatments, continuous review of emerging research, and strict adherence to proven safety and quality protocols.
Patients benefit from a team-based model of care where expertise is shared, best practices are consistently applied, and treatment recommendations are driven by data, experience, and long-term results.
See how we change lives
Start Your Journey to Pain-Free Legs
At Vein Treatment Clinic, education is considered a core part of treatment. Patients are encouraged to understand their condition, their options, and the reasoning behind each recommendation, so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’d like clarity about your varicose veins and what treatment options make sense for you, a vein evaluation can help guide that decision. Submit the form below to start your journey!
We’ll verify
your insurance
coverage for you
Please fill out the form provided, and one of our dedicated patient coordinators will promptly reach out to you.
During the call, they will assist you in scheduling your visit at a convenient time and will also verify your insurance coverage to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
We are here to help guide you through every step of the process!
