CVI – Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is a syndrome associated with venous blood stasis in veins, reflux (return venous flow) and occlusion of veins. These symptoms leads to abnormal return of venous blood from limbs to heart.

First symptoms of CVI are little swellings occuring mainly in late hours, discoloration and appearence of small veins on the skin.

With progress of disease, patient can suffer from „leg heaviness”, resolving after short rest with legs elevated over the level of heart. Further progress leads to development of varicose veins, edema, recurrent inflammation of the veins, bleeding from varicose veins and trophic skin changes.

CVI - How to deal with it?

Apart from constant consultations with a doctor and prescribed treatment, patient has possibility of performing physical exercises, which helps to improve venous system.

Physical exercise training – under this link patient can download leaflet describing recommended physical exercises which helps to improve venous system. Leaflet includes ilustrations describing how to perform certain exercises.

Standing exercises:

1. The simultaneous, rhythmic climb on his fingers.
2. Alternate detachment heels from the ground, without taking your fingers - Exercise repeat 3 times for 30 seconds.
3. March with climb on the fingers - for 3 minutes.

Exercises in a seated position
Sit on a chair

1. Knees and hips bent at an angle of 90 °. Alternately, straighten your knees and make circles with a foot of elevated leg (repeat the exercise 10 times each leg)
2. Knees and hips bent at an angle of 90 °. At the same time we elevate heels from the floor to climb on fingers - repeat exercise 3 times for 30 seconds.
3. Legs straightened. Alternately bend feet - repeat for 15 seconds.
4. Legs straightened. Feet bend dorsally. Bend and straighten your toes. Repeat exercise 3 times for 15 seconds.

Exercise in supine position
Lye on your back.

1. One leg straighten, the other bend at the knee and its foot placed on the floor. Elevate upright leg up and make circles with its foot. After a moment, change legs.
2. Hands under thighs. Bend and straighten toes, simultaneously in both legs for 30 seconds.
3. Legs bend at the hips. Using legs we make "bicycle" - repeat 3 times for 15 seconds.
4. Hands under thighs. Make circles with feet for around for 30 seconds.

After resting alternately bend and straighten feet for 30 seconds.

Exercise in prone position
Lie on stomach.

1. Bend legs at the knees at an angle of 90 °. Alternately bend and straighten feet for 2 minutes.
2. Bend legs at the knees at an angle of 90 °. Alternately bend and straighten toes for minutes

References: Sposób na żylaki. Mariusz Kózka, Krystyna Rożnowska, Kraków 2009