Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
(Part 7)
How do I take care of myself with chronic venous insufficiency?
- Avoid long periods of standing or sitting. On long car or plane rides, flex and extend your legs, feet and ankles about 10 times every 30 minutes. This helps your blood flow through your leg veins. If you have to stand for a while, take breaks often to sit down and elevate your feet.
- Check your skin. Each time you shower, check your skin. If you notice any changes, like new ulcers, call your provider.
- Elevate your legs. When sitting or lying down, elevate your legs above the level of your heart.
- Exercise on a regular basis. Walking is especially helpful for your leg veins.
- Manage your weight. Keep a weight that’s healthy for you. Talk with your provider about what that weight is.
- Practice good skin hygiene. Wash and moisturize your skin every day. Ask your provider what kind of moisturizer is best for your skin. Keeping your skin moisturized will help prevent flaking and cracks, which could become infected.Your provider may also recommend creams to reduce itching, protect your skin or prevent fungal infections.
- Wear compression stockings if your provider recommends them. This is one of the best ways to manage CVI. There are many different types, so follow your provider’s guidance on which type is best for you. Also, ask your provider how best to wash and care for your stockings.
When should I go to the ER?
Call your local emergency number right away if you have symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. This is a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis. It needs immediate medical attention.