Chronic venous insufficiency

Updated: 2023-08-18

A long-term condition in which leg veins don't properly return blood to the heart.

Overview

Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term condition in which leg veins don't properly return blood to the heart. The cause may be a blocked vein or a leaking valve.

Symptoms

Symptoms include leg swelling that gets worse throughout the day, dull aching in the legs and pain that increases when standing. If it's severe, chronic venous insufficiency can cause open skin sores on the legs. These are often slow to heal.

Treatments

Compression stockings may help. If it's severe, a health care professional removes or destroys the vein.