Vein problems often begin quietly, with symptoms like leg fatigue or mild swelling that are easy to dismiss. When circulation issues aren’t identified early, they can progress into more serious conditions that affect both comfort and long-term health. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is one such condition, developing when vein valves fail to keep blood moving efficiently through the legs.

Refine Vein Center evaluates and treats vein conditions like CVI and more. Dr. J. Avery Reynolds, MD, helps patients in Franklin and throughout Williamson County understand how vein disease progresses and what can be done to stop it before complications develop.

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Chronic Venous Insufficiency

CVI is a dangerous health issue that prohibits blood from being properly circulated throughout the body. This then leads to varicose and spider veins in the lower extremities. Should those be left untreated, other more severe problems will occur, such as ulcers, bleeding, and thrombosis.

Who is Affected by CVI?

All people who suffer from venous insufficiency are at risk of developing CVI if their venous insufficiency is not treated soon enough. Varicose veins are extremely common among Americans, and between 20-30 million Americans have them. Women suffer more than men, but both women and men have a heightened risk of developing venous insufficiency the older they get

Varicose Veins and CVI

Varicose veins are one of the most visible signs of venous insufficiency and often play a direct role in the development of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Things to know about varicose veins:

Varicose veins are caused by several different factors, some being hereditary and others being age, weight, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and standing/sitting for long periods of time.

A family history of varicose veins is found in nearly 50% of patients.

You have a 90% chance of experiencing varicose veins if both of your parents also experienced them.

If one parent has varicose veins, female children have a 60% chance of experiencing varicose veins, while male children have a 25% chance. Varicose veins affect 55% of women and 45% of men.

41% of women over the age of 50 experience varicose veins.

Women who are slightly overweight have an increased risk of 50% of developing varicose veins, while women with a BMI over 30 have three times the chance of experiencing them.

A major cause of varicose and spider veins in women is pregnancy.

You are more at risk of venous insufficiency based on the following points:

Gender

If you are a woman, you have a higher chance of developing vein issues.

Family History

If your family has a history of venous insufficiency, you run the risk as well.

Age

Aging increases your risk of developing vein problems.

Lifestyle or Occupation

If you spend a lot of time standing or sitting, your risk of venous insufficiency increases.

Smoking

If you are or have been a long-term smoker, your risk for venous insufficiency increases because of changes to your blood vessels and composition.

Weight Gain

If your BMI is over the suggested amount, your legs likely experience extra pressure, thus increasing your chance of vein issues.

Pregnancy

If you are or have been pregnant, you may experience vein problems that typically resolve on their own 3-12 months after delivery.

Why Choose Refine Vein Center for Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency requires careful diagnosis and long-term planning—not just surface-level treatment. Dr. Reynolds is board-certified in internal medicine and venous and lymphatic medicine and has treated thousands of patients with progressive vein disease.

At Refine Vein Center, evaluations include detailed duplex ultrasound imaging to assess vein function and identify where circulation breaks down. Our Franklin clinic offers modern, minimally invasive treatments designed to slow progression, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of serious complications. Patients throughout Williamson County trust our team for thorough care and clear guidance at every stage.

Treat CVI to Avoid Dangerous Complications

If your venous insufficiency develops into CVI, you may experience an array of symptoms ranging from simple cosmetic bothers to swelling of the lower extremities, itchy and irritated skin, leg pain and cramping, skin discoloration, sores and ulcers, and, eventually, varicose and/or spider veins.

These symptoms can become worse over time, and varicose veins can cause severe risks to your health, such as DVT, or blood clotting that impacts the lungs in a fatal way. Contact Refine Vein immediately if you suspect that you might have CVI or other venous issues.

Call (615) 716-8346 to schedule an appointment in Franklin, TN, and get expert care for CVI in Williamson County.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency in Franklin, TN