US Medical Term · conditions
Venous Insufficiency
Insuficiencia venosa
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Venous Insufficiency |
| Spanish (Español) | Insuficiencia venosa |
| Chinese (中文) | 靜脈機能不全 |
| Korean (한국어) | 정맥부전 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Suy tĩnh mạch |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Venous Insufficiency |
| Portuguese (Português) | Insuficiência venosa |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ภาวะหลอดเลือดดำทำงานไม่เพียงพอ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 静脈不全 |
What it means
Venous insufficiency is a condition where the veins in the legs have difficulty sending blood back up to the heart. Healthy veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves weaken or become damaged, blood pools in the legs. Symptoms include leg swelling, aching, heaviness, and cramping, as well as varicose veins, skin discoloration, and in advanced cases, slow-healing ulcers near the ankles. Risk factors include prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, prior blood clots, pregnancy, and family history. Treatment includes compression stockings, leg elevation, regular walking, and in some cases procedures to close or remove damaged veins.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My legs are swollen and achy by the end of the day and my doctor suspects venous insufficiency.
Mis piernas están hinchadas y adoloridas al final del día y mi médico sospecha insuficiencia venosa.
I have an open sore on my ankle that will not heal and my doctor said it may be related to venous insufficiency.
Tengo una llaga abierta en el tobillo que no cierra y mi médico dijo que puede estar relacionada con la insuficiencia venosa.
Does my insurance cover compression stockings or vein procedures for venous insufficiency?
¿Mi seguro cubre medias de compresión o procedimientos venosos para la insuficiencia venosa?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
I87 Other disorders of veinsRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026