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Chronic venous insufficiency

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is an umbrella term for the stages C3 to C6 of the CEAP classification system. The term CVI is often used as a synonym for chronic venous disease. However, CVI only refers to the more severe stages of chronic venous disease that are associated with swelling/oedema (stage C3), skin changes (stage C4), or open wounds (ulcers) on the legs (stage C5 and C6).

Whereas chronic venous disease in general affects every third to fourth adult person worldwide, fewer people develop CVI.

Diagram of leg veins showing superficial, deep, and perforating veins. A close-up highlights blood flow through the veins and valves.

There are several reasons why the vein valves may not be working properly:

  • Failure of the valves in superficial veins: pre-existing weakness of the vein valves, direct injury, inflammation, enlarged veins and vein valves caused by hormonal changes or venous hypertension.
  • Failure of the valves in deep veins: damage results from blood clots in the deep veins, also called deep vein thrombosis.

Risk factors for CVI include age, gender, family members who are also affected by chronic venous disease such as varicose veins, being overweight, pregnancy, previous leg injuries or inflammation of the veins (also called phlebitis). Prolonged sitting or standing is one of the behavioral factors that can result in CVI.

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How can chronic venous insufficiency be diagnosed?

Your healthcare professional will take your complete medical history and will perform a physical exam, including the inspection and palpation of the skin. You may also receive a Duplex ultrasound, which is a noninvasive testing that visualises the blood flow and the structure of the leg veins.

In most cases, this will be enough to confirm the diagnosis of a chronic venous disease. Further imaging techniques are:

  • Magnetic resonance venography
  • Computer tomography venography
  • Invasive imaging (venogram or intravascular ultrasound)

Treatment options of chronic venous insufficiency

Wearing compression garments is an integral part of treatment for all types of chronic venous disease, independent of their severity. The same applies to maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise.

However, chronic venous insufficiency might require additional, and sometimes more invasive treatment. Treatment options also vary depending on the clinical manifestation of CVI, including the presence of oedema, skin changes or eczema, or leg ulcers.

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How to prevent chronic venous insufficiency

CVI results from a venous disease that was not or insufficiently treated. Therefore, early recognition and appropriate intervention are important to prevent the development of more severe stages of chronic venous disease. Here are some basic strategies to prevent CVI:

  • Exercise regularly 
  • Maintain a healthy weight 
  • Avoid long periods of sitting or standing 
  • Take short breaks to raise the legs 
  • Wear compression stockings 

The goal of all these strategies is to prevent the pooling of blood in your legs and thus to prevent venous hypertension.

Discover our compression stockings for chronic venous insufficiency

Compression for Everyday Use

JOBST® Ultrasheer

JOBST® UltraSheer compression stockings combine graduated compression therapy with a stylish, elegant look. They are breathable, transparent and made with lightweight material, making them comfortable to wear while helping to manage venous conditions.

Compression for Everyday Use

JOBST® forMen

JOBST® forMen are compression garments designed specifically for men to help manage venous conditions. They have a fashionable ribbed design and therefore look like a fine men's dress sock whilst also being durable.

Compression for Everyday Use

JOBST® forMen Casual

JOBST® forMen Casual offers men a durable, everyday compression sock with a cotton feel, ideal for day-to-day activities and casual attire. JOBST® forMen Casual compression garments have a ribbed look and feel, just like your normal socks.

Compression for Everyday Use

JOBST® Relief

JOBST® Relief compression stockings are unisex circular-knit compression garments designed for everyday use. They provide consistent compression throughout the day.

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