Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition wherein blood pools in the legs due to problems with the veins, which carry blood toward the heart. Activity of the leg muscles normally squeezes blood up the leg veins through a series of valves, which prevent backflow. Inadequate physical activity, blood clots in the veins and valve malfunction can subvert this system, leading to chronic venous insufficiency. The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals reports that approximately 5 percent of Americans are living with chronic venous insufficiency.
Swelling and Skin Tightness
Swelling, or edema, of the lower legs and ankles is a hallmark symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, notes the University of Chicago Medical Center. Blood pooling in the legs causes leakage of fluid from the blood into the soft tissues, leading to edema. Fluid accumulation stretches the skin, causing it to appear and feel tight. Severe edema may lead to fluid leakage or "weeping" through the skin, which manifests as minute drops of sticky fluid on the skin surface.
Skin Dryness and Itching
Long-standing edema associated with chronic venous insufficiency causes skin changes, including inflammation, dryness and itching, reports "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." Persistent itching and associated scratching commonly causes thickening of the skin, which takes on a leathery appearance.
Skin Discoloration
Penn State College of Medicine's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center explains that venous pooling, or stasis, causes increased pressure in the veins and tiny capillaries of the legs. The capillaries within the skin frequently burst due to the pressure. Small amounts of blood leak into the skin causing a brownish discoloration, which is usually most noticeable in the ankles.
Varicose Veins
High pressure in the venous system of the legs commonly causes ballooning of the superficial veins, a condition termed varicose veins. Prominent varicose veins are a frequent symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, notes the Cleveland Clinic. The veins typically appear as dark blue or purple raised, lumpy cords just under the skin surface. Varicose veins may be painful, especially with prolonged standing.
Leg Pain
The University of Chicago Medical Center notes that people with chronic venous insufficiency often experience aching leg pain, especially with prolonged standing or walking. A feeling of tiredness in the legs and muscle cramping may also occur. Rest and elevating the legs characteristically eases the pain by relieving the pressure associated with blood pooling.
Leg Ulcers
People with chronic venous insufficiency commonly develop leg ulcers, notes Penn State College of Medicine's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Changes associated venous stasis cause skin fragility, leading to easy injury. Small skin wounds often progress to ulcers due to impaired healing associated with large amounts of fluid in the soft tissues.
References
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Postphlebitic Syndrome
- Cleveland Clinic: Venous Insufficiency
- Baylor College of Medicine: Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Penn State College of Medicine Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- University of Chicago Medical Center: Chronic Venous Insufficiency
