If you’ve noticed heavy legs, strange skin changes, or swelling that won’t quit, you might not realize your body is trying to tell you something. At Region Vein PC, we help patients in and around Munster, Indiana, uncover the root of their discomfort.
Many of the symptoms tied to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) may surprise you. Dr. Demetrios J. Karamichos, a respected board-certified physician with more than 30 years of experience, was one of the first in the country to earn board certification from the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.
As a diplomate of this renowned organization, Dr. Karamichos leads our team in identifying and treating CVI with high-level expertise and attentive, compassionate patient care. Read on to learn more about CVI and the symptoms to look out for.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Healthy leg veins have tiny one-way valves that open to let blood flow upward to the heart and then close to keep it from flowing backward. These valves work with muscle movement to help push blood upward against gravity.
But with CVI, those valves become weak or damaged. Instead of sealing shut, they stay partially open, allowing blood to reflux or move downward and collect in the lower leg veins.
This increases pressure in the veins, leading to swelling, heaviness, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Not all signs of CVI are obvious, and many people live with sneaky symptoms without realizing they’re linked to a vein problem.
CVI Symptoms You Might Be Missing
If you’ve brushed off minor leg issues as “just getting older,” it’s time to take a closer look. Common but overlooked signs of CVI include:
- Achy, heavy, or tired legs (especially later in the day)
- Restless leg movements at night
- Leg cramps
- Swelling in your lower legs or ankles
- Itchy, dry, or thin skin near your ankles
- Skin discoloration or dark patches
- Visible veins, whether small or large
- Tightness or burning in the lower legs
- Slow-healing leg wounds
Ignoring CVI symptoms can lead to long-term skin changes, ulcers, and ongoing discomfort. The earlier you get evaluated, the more options you have to feel better. Treatments today are minimally invasive, require little downtime, and are more effective than ever. We take time to understand your concerns and match you with treatments that target the real cause — not just the symptoms.
CVI Help in Munster, Indiana
Call Region Vein PC at 219-595-3095 in Munster, Indiana, to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can help you feel better.
