Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a term used to describe the changes that can take place in the tissues of the leg, due to longstanding high pressure in the veins. There are many patients with typical changes of chronic venous insufficiency, but no obvious problem with their superficial veins. Credit to The Australian and NZ Vascular Surgeons who have extensive information on their website.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can be an effective supportive treatment when there is an oedema (swelling) component. MLD alongside compression options and good skin care are the key steps for self-management.
For an interesting read about CVI, pop over to the Lymphoedema Support Network (UK) for an article on “red legs” and “cellulitis”. – click here and do read the full article as there are some very interesting pictures
For further reading here is a link to the Jobst US website and this page from Clinical Advisor has a really good overview.
Note: when asked to provide treatment to clients with CVI, a GP or specialist approval / signoff will be sought.