Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when your leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back to your heart. Normally, the valves in your veins make sure that blood flows toward your heart. But when these valves don’t work well, blood can also flow backward. This can cause blood to collect (pool) in your legs.
If this condition is not treated, you may have:
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Pain
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Swelling
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Cramps
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Skin changes
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Varicose veins
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Leg ulcers
Chronic venous insufficiency is not a serious health threat. But it can be painful and disabling.
You are more likely to have this condition if you:
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Are overweight
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Are pregnant
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Have a family history of the problem
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Had damage to your leg due to injury, surgery, or previous blood clots
If leg swelling because of chronic venous insufficiency isn’t controlled, an open wound (ulcer) can form. Although ulcers vary in size and shape, they usually appear on the inside of the ankle.
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Diabetic Foot Pain and Ulcers. Skin Sores on Foot side view. Illustration about Diabetes Symptoms.
See your healthcare provider. Ulcers need frequent medical care. Special dressings may be applied. You may be given antibiotics to fight infection.
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Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as aspirin or pentoxifylline, to help the ulcer heal.
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Your healthcare provider may prescribe compression stockings to help with the swelling.
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Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist such as our Center for Wound Healing.
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Elevate your legs often to reduce swelling. The ulcer needs oxygen-rich blood to heal. This blood can’t reach the ulcer until the swelling is reduced.
Seek immediate medical attention if:
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You have an increase in pain.
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You develop a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
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The area around the ulcer becomes red, tender, or both.
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The ulcer oozes discolored fluid or smells bad.
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Swelling increases suddenly, or the dressing feels tight
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