Chronic venous insufficiency, often called CVI, is a vein condition that occurs when the veins in the legs have trouble moving blood back toward the heart. When the small valves inside the veins weaken or stop working properly, blood can pool in the lower legs. This can lead to swelling, aching, heaviness, itching, skin discoloration, and, in more advanced cases, venous ulcers.
At Hill Country Vein Center, patients in New Braunfels, TX, and the San Antonio area receive focused evaluation and treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. Care is led by Dr. Mark Kneuper, a board-certified General Surgeon with a special interest in office-based vein care. His clinical background helps patients receive clear answers, accurate diagnoses, and treatment planning based on the underlying cause of their symptoms.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term circulation problem that affects the veins in the legs. Healthy leg veins use one-way valves to help blood flow upward toward the heart. When those valves do not close properly, blood can flow backward and collect in the veins.
As pressure builds, patients may begin to notice leg swelling, aching, fatigue, cramping, or heaviness. Skin around the ankles or lower legs may also become itchy, discolored, thickened, or irritated. Without proper care, CVI can worsen over time and may lead to slow-healing sores called venous stasis ulcers.
What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
CVI is usually caused by weakened or damaged vein valves. These valve problems can develop gradually with age, but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of the condition. Family history, pregnancy, excessive pressure on the legs, and prolonged standing or sitting can all contribute to poor vein function.
A history of blood clots, leg injury, or previous vein disease may also increase the risk of chronic venous insufficiency. Because symptoms can start mildly, many people wait to seek care until swelling, skin changes, or discomfort begin to interfere with daily life. A vein evaluation can help determine whether CVI is the cause.
How Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treated?
Treatment for chronic venous insufficiency begins with a detailed evaluation. At Hill Country Vein Center, duplex ultrasound may be used to check blood flow, identify venous reflux, and locate the veins that are not functioning properly. This allows treatment to target the source of the problem rather than only the symptoms.
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include:
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Compression therapy to support circulation and reduce swelling
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Leg elevation, walking, and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms
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Endovenous radiofrequency ablation to close diseased veins using controlled heat energy
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VenaSeal™ Closure to seal certain problem veins with medical adhesive
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Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy or Varithena® to treat selected veins affected by reflux
Many vein procedures are performed in the office with minimal downtime. Once a diseased vein is closed, blood naturally reroutes through healthier veins, helping improve circulation and reduce pressure in the lower legs.
The Benefits Of Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment
Treating chronic venous insufficiency can help reduce swelling, aching, heaviness, and fatigue in the legs. For patients with skin changes, treatment may help slow progression and reduce the risk of more serious complications, including inflammation and venous ulcers.
Care can also make daily activities more comfortable. Patients may find it easier to stand, walk, work, exercise, or sleep without persistent leg discomfort. Early diagnosis and treatment are especially important because CVI is a progressive condition that can become harder to manage if left untreated.
When To See A Vein Specialist
You should consider seeing a vein specialist if you have ongoing leg swelling, aching, heaviness, cramping, itching, or skin discoloration around the ankles or lower legs. It is also important to seek care if you notice thickened skin, open sores, worsening varicose veins, or symptoms that are worse at the end of the day.
A specialist can determine whether your symptoms are caused by chronic venous insufficiency and explain which treatment options may be appropriate for your condition.
Why Choose Hill Country Vein Center For Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment?
Chronic venous insufficiency requires careful diagnosis because symptoms often stem from valve problems in the veins beneath the surface. At Hill Country Vein Center, care is led by Dr. Mark Kneuper, a board-certified General Surgeon with decades of experience serving patients in New Braunfels.
Dr. Kneuper is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has developed a special interest in office-based management of varicose veins. His background supports a thorough approach to CVI evaluation, ultrasound-guided diagnosis, and minimally invasive treatment planning for patients in New Braunfels, San Antonio, and nearby areas.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment In New Braunfels, TX
Chronic venous insufficiency can cause symptoms that affect your comfort, mobility, and long-term leg health. If you are dealing with swelling, heaviness, aching, skin discoloration, or slow-healing sores, Hill Country Vein Center in New Braunfels, TX can help you understand your treatment options.
Call Hill Country Vein Center at (830) 625-6258 today to schedule a consultation. The practice serves patients from New Braunfels, San Antonio, and surrounding Hill Country communities, providing focused diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.
