Venous insufficiency

Definition

Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sendingblood from the legsback to the heart.

See also:

Alternative Names

Chronic venous insufficiency

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Venous insufficiency involves one or more veins. Valves in the veins usually push the flow of blood toward the heart. When these valves are damaged, the blood leaks and pools in the legs and feet. The condition may also be caused by a blockage in a vein from a clot (deep vein thrombosis).

Chronic venous insufficiency is along-term condition. It occurs because of partial vein blockage or blood leakage around the valves of the veins.

Symptoms

  • Swelling of the legs
  • Dull aching, heaviness, or cramping in legs
  • Pain gets worse when standing
  • Painbetter when raising the legs

Persons with chronic venous insufficiency may also have:

  • Skin color changes around the ankles
  • Redness of legs and ankles
  • Thickening of the skin on legs and ankles
  • Ulcers on the legs and ankles
Heart, front view
Heart, front view
Venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency
Review Date: 5/24/2006
Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.