Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) relates to the weakening of the delicate one-way valves found in leg veins. Pregnancy, occupations requiring long hours of standing, obesity, and/or blood clots weaken or cause the delicate valves to become incompetent. As the valves weaken, the forces of gravity leads to the pooling of deoxygenated blood. The pooling of deoxygenated blood leads to spider veins, varicosities, and varicose veins, all of which are signs of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). 

In addition, the pooling of deoxygenated blood can trigger restless leg movements during evening hours of inactivity. 

The second component is calf-muscle dysfunction. During the evening hours while relaxing and watching TV, the calf-muscle is inactive and further leads to the pooling of deoxygenated blood which triggers restless leg movements during evening hours. 

Who suffers with Chronic Venous Insufficiency and restless leg sensations?

• CVI affects women up to 55% and men 25% 
• Mid – 30’s and over when symptoms occur at least twice a week
• More common in women

Quality of Life Issues

• Legs feel like things are crawling on the inside
• Lack of sleep
• Loss of concentration at work, reduced energy
• Loss of libido
• Social withdrawal