Causes

• The cardiovascular vein system is made to push blood through the body from the heart and return it back again. On the return trip, the veins work against gravity and must work hard to push the blood back to up the legs. Sometimes this causes the veins to not function properly, leading to a build-up of blood or a higher blood pressure in the veins. This causes them ache or to be raised on the skin.
  
  

Symptoms

• Early on, an individual may have little or no symptoms of CVI, but it is a progressive disease and eventually the veins will cause the lower extremities, like the feet and ankles, to swell. According to the Vascular Disease Coalition, the disease can create discoloration in the skin, ulceration or thick, scaly skin. In extreme cases, it can cause potentially deadly blot clots.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Immediately see a physician if you develop any of the CVI symptoms. He will likely do a physical examination to determine the extent of the damage to the skin and use a portable Doppler device to listen to the blood flow in the veins. Another test may include a venous duplex ultrasound exam to get a detailed picture of the vein structure and any blockages.
  
  

Treatment

• People with CVI should avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods, as that may worsen the condition. The use of compression bandages and stockings are a common practice to reduce the swelling and increase blood flow to and from the legs. You may be prescribed pill or cream antibiotics if the CVI has progressed to an ulcerative state and there is a risk of infection. Diuretics also can be prescribed to alleviate swelling caused by water retention.
  
  

Risk Factors

• People with a history of varicose veins are at a higher risk for getting the disease, as well as women who have had multiple pregnancies. Those whose jobs include standing or sitting for long periods is also at increased risk of CVI and varicose veins.