Articles

Lymphedema Advance For Occupational Therapists Anatomy Of The Lymphatic System Breast Cancer Surgery CVI Certified Lymphedema Therapists Chronic Venous Insufficiency Circumferential Measurements For Lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy Comprehensive Lymphedema Management Compression Bandages For Lymphedema Compression Garments For Lymphedema Compression Materials For Lymphedema Therapists Compression Sleeves For Lymphedema Compression Stockings For Lymphedema Compression Supplies For Lymphedema Continuing Education For Massage Therapists Continuing Education For Nurses Continuing Education For Occupational Therapists Continuing Education For Physical Therapists Continuing Education For RN Educational Materials For Lymphedema Exercises For Lymphedema Foeldi Technique Foeldi Training Genital Lymphedema Jobst Compression Stockings Jobst Ultrasheer Juzo Compression Stockings Juzo Hostess LANA Certification LANA Endorsement Lower Extremity Lymphedema Lumpectomy Lymph Glands Lymph Nodes Lymph Vessels Lymphatic System Lymphedema Courses Lymphedema Schools Lymphedema Symptoms Lymphedema Therapists Lymphedema Treatments Lymphedema Of The Head Lymphedema Of The Penis Lymphedema Of The Scrotum Lymphedema Of The Vulva Lymphology Lymphology Association Of North America Manual Lymph Drainage And Complete Decongestive Therapy Massage Therapists Measurements For Lymphedema Modified Mastectomy National Lymphedema Network Neck Dissection Pathology Of The Lymphatic System Physiology Of The Lymphatic System Posters Of The Lymphatic System Scrotal Lymphedema Therapy For Venous Ulcers Therapy For Venous Insufficiency Total Mastectomy Treatment For Breast Cancer Treatment For Genital Lymphedema Treatment For Lower Extremity Lymphedema Treatment For Lymphedema Of The Head Treatment For Pediatric Lymphedema Treatment For Primary Lymphedema Treatment For Secondary Lymphedema Treatment For Upper Extremity Lymphedema Treatment For Venous Insufficiency Treatment For Venous Ulcers Upper Extremity Lymphedema Vodder Treatment Volume Measurements For Lymphedema Volumetric Measurements For Lymphedema More Lymphedema Resources

Lymphedema

CVI

by Amy Hall

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

CVI, chronic venous insufficiency, is by far the most common cause of leg disorders. In chronic venous insufficiency, the return of blood from the legs is chronically impaired. The typical symptoms of CVI are tired, heavy, swollen legs, nocturnal leg cramps, and a sensation of tension and pain in the legs. These are early warning signs of a chronic disorder and can develop into open leg ulcers if left untreated.

Risk factors for venous insufficiency are age, obesity, hormonal fluctuations, and pregnancy. Probably the number one risk factor is age: studies have shown that severe vein disorders are found seven times more frequently in sixty year olds than in twenty year olds. Obesity and lack of exercise go hand-in-hand, and are also a very common cause of venous insufficiency.

Symptoms

Tired, heavy legs, swollen ankles, nocturnal leg cramps, sensation of tension in the lower leg, itching, tingling, dragging or stabbing pains in the legs can the first signs of vein damage without varicose veins being externally visible. The symptoms are relieved by elevating the legs, whereas standing or sitting for long periods usually causes deterioration of the symptoms. General symptoms, such as low blood pressure in the morning, are also possible signs of venous insufficiency.

If detected early, it is possible to halt the progression of many disorders, and this also applies to varicose vein disorders. You should consult with your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms. If caught early, your doctor can prescribe a course of treatment that may stop your symptoms and reverse the progression of your specific condition.

Get all Lymphedema articles via