Have you ever noticed your legs feeling heavy, achy, or unusually swollen by the end of the day—especially after standing or sitting for a long time? It might not just be everyday fatigue. One common culprit behind this swelling is something called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
So, What Is Venous Insufficiency?
Your veins have a big job: they return blood back to your heart. In your legs, this means fighting gravity. To make that happen, your leg veins have tiny one-way valves that keep blood moving in the right direction—upward.
When those valves weaken or get damaged, blood doesn’t flow as efficiently. Instead of moving up, some of it pools in your lower legs. That’s venous insufficiency in action.
Why Does This Cause Swelling?
The pooling of blood increases pressure inside the veins. Over time, this pressure pushes fluid out of the veins and into nearby tissues. The result? Swelling, especially around the ankles and lower legs. This is often called edema.
It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right with the circulation down here.”
Signs It Might Be Venous Insufficiency
- Swelling that worsens after standing or sitting for long periods
- Achy, heavy, or throbbing legs
- Skin that looks shiny or tight
- Discoloration (often brownish) around the ankles
- Varicose veins or spider veins
- Itching or skin changes (in severe cases, even ulcers)
What Puts You at Risk?
Several factors can increase your chances of developing venous insufficiency, including:
- Age (more common as we get older)
- Family history
- Pregnancy (extra pressure and hormone changes)
- Obesity
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
What Can You Do About It?
The good news? CVI is manageable. Here are a few things that help:
- Compression stockings: These gently squeeze the legs to improve blood flow.
- Movement: Avoid sitting or standing too long. Walk regularly to encourage circulation.
- Leg elevation: Prop up your legs when resting.
- Healthy weight: Shedding excess pounds can reduce pressure on your veins.
- In more serious cases, doctors might recommend medications or procedures to improve vein function.
The Bottom Line
Leg swelling due to venous insufficiency isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a sign your circulation needs support. If your legs are often swollen, heavy, or uncomfortable, don’t ignore it. Talk to your healthcare provider or call us at 412-677-9842. Early intervention can help you feel better and prevent complications down the road.
