Does venous insufficiency shorten your life?

However, if left untreated, venous insufficiency can cause far more serious complications like ulcers, bleeding, and a life-threatening condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Is chronic venous insufficiency life threatening?

Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat. But it can be painful and disabling.

Is chronic venous insufficiency permanent?

Over time, this can cause a weakening in the walls of the veins and damage the vein valves, resulting in CVI. Patients can also develop CVI as a complication of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Following an episode of DVT, up to 20% of patients can have permanent damage to the valves inside their veins.

Does venous insufficiency get worse over time?

Chronic venous insufficiency tends to get worse over time. However, it can be managed if treatment is started in the early stages. By taking self-care steps, you may be able to ease the discomfort and prevent the condition from getting worse.

What should I do if I have venous insufficiency?

If you have to sit for a long time, flex and extend your legs, feet, and ankles. Do this about 10 times every 30 minutes to help keep blood flowing. If you have to stand for a long time, take breaks and sit with your legs elevated. Elevate your legs. Elevate your legs above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

How does chronic venous insufficiency affect your health?

This can cause blood to collect (pool) in your legs. If this condition is not treated, you may have: Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat. But it can be painful and disabling. What causes chronic venous insufficiency?

Is there a name for venous insufficiency in legs?

Additionally, even though venous insufficiency can affect your upper limbs (arms) too, it mostly occurs in the lower limbs (legs). Other names for venous insufficiency are deep vein incompetence, chronic venous disease, or chronic venous insufficiency.

What kind of shoes are best for chronic venous insufficiency?

Tight clothing or shoes can restrict blood flow in the legs and increase the risk of chronic venous insufficiency. High-heeled shoes can also impede blood flow in the legs. For this reason, your NYU Langone doctor may recommend wearing shoes with a low heel.

What does venous insufficiency do to your body?

Venous insufficiency is a condition that prevents blood from flowing out of your legs and back to your heart. Veins contain valves that help blood flow in one direction.

When do you need surgery for venous insufficiency?

Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work. Surgery may be used to repair a leg vein valve or to clip or tie off a vein so blood cannot flow through it. You may need to have a veins removed during surgery called stripping. Surgery may be used to bypass (go around) the damaged vein.

How can lifestyle changes help with chronic venous insufficiency?

This can help reduce or eliminate symptoms, such as aching, cramping, and leg swelling. Lifestyle changes can also help prevent symptoms from returning after you have had minimally invasive procedures or surgery. Wearing compression garments can help blood that is pooling in the leg, ankle, or foot to flow in the right direction—toward the heart.

What kind of tests are done for venous insufficiency?

Your provider will take your medical history and give you an exam. You may also have an imaging test called a Duplex ultrasound. This looks at blood flow and the structure of your leg veins. It checks the speed and direction of blood flow in the blood vessel. What is the treatment for chronic venous insufficiency?