Aches and pains might seem like a normal part of growing older, but persistent pain is always a matter for concern, and needs to be addressed.

Leg pain, especially after prolonged periods of standing or sitting, may be a symptom of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The veins in your legs contain valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards, but in CVI, these valves don’t work properly. This adds pressure on the veins, and causes blood to pool in your legs.

Symptoms of CVI

• Painful leg cramps
• Itchiness
• Varicose veins
• Tough, leathery leg skin
• Brownish skin, usually around the ankles
• Leg ulcers

Causes of CVI

CVI is relatively common, affecting up to 40% of Americans. Women are more likely than men to suffer from CVI. It is most common in those with:

• Family history of CVI
• Age over 50
• Obesity
• Smoking
• History of blood clots
• History of multiple pregnancies

Diagnosing CVI

Even if you have the symptoms and risk factors for CVI, it is important to be diagnosed by a doctor. A reliable diagnosis includes testing, usually using a Duplex ultrasound to give an image of the structure of your veins and how blood moves through them. You may also have other tests to ensure that there are no other reasons for your pain or swelling.

Treatment for CVI

It is important to treat CVI. Untreated, it can cause the capillaries in your legs to burst, leading to swelling and ulcers which can become infected.

Treatment may include:

• Both standing and sitting will impede the blood flow to your legs. Walking, on the other hand, improves blood flow.
• Compression hose. These prevent blood from pooling in your legs. Compression hose comes in a variety of weights and styles. Your doctor will be able to tell you which type of hose would be most beneficial.
• You may need medication to prevent blood clots, or antibiotics to treat leg ulcers.
• Weight loss. If obesity is contributing to your CVI, losing weight will alleviate the problem.
• Medical treatment. In severe cases of CVI, your doctor may suggest one of a variety of medical treatments. Some are minimally invasive; however, 10% of CVI cases are so severe that they require more extensive surgery.

CVI is not just a nuisance or inconvenience. It needs to be addressed before it causes serious problems.

The staff at the Regency Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers, , knows just how to deal with venous problems — as well as any other issue that may affect a senior.

We offer the very best of care in a patient-centered environment. This means following our residents’ health carefully, listening to them, and respecting their capabilities, while helping them to achieve maximum functionality and independence — and always maintaining the highest professional and quality standards in our staff and our facilities. Our 25 years of excellent care have led to us being awarded a Best Nursing Homes award by US News & World Today, a 5-Star rating by USA Today, and an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, among many other awards.

If leg pain is hampering your quality of life, contact us by clicking here and find out which of our three facilities will best meet your needs.