Tired, heavy legs? Achy calves at the end of the day? Swollen ankles that just won’t quit?
These symptoms are common. But common doesn’t mean normal.
At Beltline Health, we hear it all the time: “I thought I was just on my feet too much,” or “Maybe I’m just getting older.” But there might be a real medical reason behind what you’re feeling.
Let’s talk about what is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). It’s more than a mouthful. It’s a condition that affects millions of Americans and often flies under the radar.
We’re breaking it down in plain English—what it is, what causes it, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? (And Why It Matters)
Chronic venous insufficiency is when the veins in your legs stop working the way they should. They struggle to send blood back up to your heart. Blood pools in your legs, which causes swelling, pressure, and visible vein changes over time.
Think of your veins like a one-way street. The valves are supposed to keep blood moving in the right direction. But when they weaken or fail, that blood starts to back up.
What this means for you:
- Swelling, especially by the end of the day
- Leg pain or aching that gets worse when standing
- Visible veins (varicose or spider veins)
- Skin changes, like dryness or dark patches
- In more severe cases: open sores or ulcers on the legs
Key point: CVI is progressive. That means it usually gets worse over time if left untreated.
How Do You Know If You Have Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
If you’re asking, “What is chronic venous insufficiency and do I have it?” the first place to look is your legs.
Here’s what we look for at Beltline Health:
- Daily leg swelling that improves overnight
- Heaviness, aching, or cramping
- Skin that’s becoming discolored, especially around the ankles
- Veins that look twisted or bulging
We use a combination of your symptoms, a physical exam, and an ultrasound to get answers. At our Atlanta, Stockbridge, and Newnan offices, this process is quick, painless, and covered by most insurance.
Pro tip: Don’t wait for visible veins to appear. Many patients have CVI with no obvious varicose veins.
What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency? (And Who Gets It?)
The short answer: It’s not your fault. CVI can happen to anyone.
But some things raise your risk:
- Family history of vein problems
- Pregnancy (especially multiple)
- Obesity or significant weight gain
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- History of blood clots or leg injury
Also, women are more likely to develop CVI than men.
At Beltline, we treat a lot of patients who spent years on their feet for work. Teachers. Nurses. Service industry workers. People who never thought twice about their legs until the pain started interfering with daily life.
Treatment Options for Chronic Venous Insufficiency: What Actually Works
So, what happens after you find out what chronic venous insufficiency is?
We walk with you through your options. Because yes—CVI is treatable.
First, we usually start with conservative steps:
- Compression socks
- Elevating your legs during the day
- Exercise and movement
- Managing your weight and diet
If that’s not enough, we offer minimally invasive procedures that actually treat the faulty veins:
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A quick, in-office procedure that uses heat to close off damaged veins. It’s safe, effective, and often covered by insurance.
Sclerotherapy: A medical solution is injected into smaller veins to close them off and reroute blood to healthier veins.
Vein Stripping? Not here. That old-school, painful procedure is basically a thing of the past. Beltline uses advanced methods with little downtime.
What This Means for You: Real Relief Is Possible
Learning what is chronic venous insufficiency can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth:
- You’re not overreacting.
- You don’t have to live with it.
- You have real options.
We’ve helped thousands of people in the Atlanta area find relief and reclaim their mobility. Whether it starts with a simple pair of compression socks or a 30-minute in-office procedure, it all begins with getting answers.
Your legs are talking. We’re here to help you listen.
Think You Might Have CVI? Let’s Talk.
If anything in this blog sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Beltline Health is here to help. No judgment. Just real answers, real options, and real people who care.
Call us or schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Atlanta, Newnan, or Stockbridge.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is chronic venous insufficiency in plain terms?
It’s when the veins in your legs can’t push blood back up to your heart properly. This causes swelling, pain, and sometimes skin problems.
Is CVI serious?
Yes. If left untreated, it can lead to open sores, ongoing pain, and serious circulation problems. But early treatment makes a big difference.
Can chronic venous insufficiency be cured?
It can be managed and treated, often with minimally invasive procedures. Many patients experience major relief.
Does insurance cover CVI treatment?
Most of the time, yes—especially if you're having symptoms like pain or swelling. We can help you check your coverage.
