What Are Common Symptoms of 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 symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time. These CVI symptoms in the legs are caused by poor blood flow and increased pressure inside the veins.
Many patients live with symptoms of venous insufficiency for years without realizing they are related to poor circulation in the leg veins. Early signs can be subtle before progressing to more visible or uncomfortable changes.
Understanding the signs of chronic venous insufficiency helps patients recognize when leg swelling, skin changes, or persistent discomfort may be linked to venous reflux disease.
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.
Leg swelling (especially ankles and lower legs)
Leg swelling, especially around the ankles and lower legs, is one of the most common chronic venous insufficiency symptoms. Leg swelling related to venous insufficiency typically worsens later in the day and improves with elevation or overnight rest.
This swelling reflects increased vein pressure and poor circulation in the lower legs.
Legs Feeling Heavy or Tired? Check Your Symptoms for Vein Disease
Heaviness or fatigue in the legs
Many patients describe heaviness or fatigue in the legs as an early symptom of venous insufficiency. This sensation often worsens after prolonged standing or sitting and improves with movement.
It reflects impaired venous return and rising pressure inside the leg veins.
Aching, throbbing, or leg pain
Aching or throbbing discomfort in the legs is common, especially after prolonged standing or sitting.
Pain often improves with movement or elevation, which is characteristic of venous-related symptoms.
Symptom Checker
Restless legs or nighttime discomfort
Some patients experience restless legs, cramping, or discomfort at night.
These symptoms are frequently mistaken for muscle or nerve issues but can be related to venous insufficiency.
Skin itching or irritation
Itching around the ankles or lower legs can be an early sign of skin changes from venous insufficiency. Ongoing vein pressure triggers inflammation in the surrounding tissue, leading to irritation before visible discoloration develops.
Skin discoloration near the ankles
Darkening or brownish discoloration of the skin near the ankles is a sign of long-standing venous insufficiency.
This occurs when blood components leak into surrounding tissue over time.
Table of contents
1. Leg swelling (especially ankles and lower legs)
2. Heaviness or fatigue in the legs
3. Aching, throbbing, or leg pain
4. Restless legs or nighttime discomfort
5. Skin itching or irritation
6. Skin discoloration near the ankles
7. Skin thickening or texture changes
8. Visible varicose veins
9. Open sores or venous ulcers
10. Do symptoms always appear together?
11. When symptoms suggest progression?
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
Skin thickening or texture changes
The skin may become thick, tight, or leathery in advanced stages of chronic venous insufficiency.
These changes indicate ongoing inflammation and impaired circulation.
Visible varicose veins
Varicose veins are often an outward sign of chronic venous insufficiency.
Not all patients with CVI have visible varicose veins, but many do.
Open sores or venous ulcers
In advanced cases, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to open sores or ulcers near the ankles.
These wounds may heal slowly without treating the underlying vein problem.
Wounds That Won’t Heal? Discover the Link Between Circulation and Skin Ulcers
Most PPO insurances cover vein treatment!
and 100+ more
Speak with an expert at 844-690-1788
Do symptoms always appear together?
No. Some patients have only mild symptoms at first, while others experience multiple symptoms simultaneously.
Symptoms often progress gradually, which is why early evaluation is important.
When symptoms suggest progression?
Worsening swelling, skin changes, or pain suggest progression of chronic venous insufficiency.
Early treatment can help slow progression and prevent complications.
< How Does Chronic Venous Insufficiency Affect Circulation?
How Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency Related to Varicose Veins? >
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!
