How Poor Venous Circulation Affects Your Legs (And What to Do About It)

Medically reviewed by Zoe Deol, MD, FACS, on March 7, 2025

Your circulatory system is vital in keeping your legs healthy and pain-free. When the venous side of your circulation is compromised, it can lead to common problems like varicose veins, leg swelling, leg aching, and even worse. Understanding what causes poor venous circulation and how to improve it can help you take proactive steps to maintain leg health and prevent complications such as venous leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

For this article, we consulted Zoe Deol, MD, FACS, Regional Medical Director at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) in Southgate (Detroit), Michigan, and Southfield, Michigan.

Dr. Deol is double-board certified in general surgery and venous and lymphatic medicine. She has published on the subject, is a national and international speaker/educator on venous and lymphatic disease, and isa well-traveled humanitarian caring for people with vein disease in disadvantaged countries.

What Is Circulation?

Circulation is made up of TWO sides: Arteries and Veins.

• Arteries: These blood vessels carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your entire body. Think of them as a high-pressure incoming water system delivering fresh, oxygenated blood where it’s needed. Disease in arteries is called PAD, and left untreated can lead to amputations. This side of the circulation is not evaluated at a vein center.
• Veins: Veins return used blood back to the heart, removing waste products along the way. Think of them like outgoing sewer lines. Unlike arteries, veins operate under low pressure and rely on one-way valves and muscle movement to keep blood flowing in the right direction. Disease in the venous side of the circulation can lead to varicose veins, ulcers (sores), or even blood clots (DVT.) This side of the circulation is evaluated extensively and expertly at vein centers.

“Think of your circulation like water pipes in your house: arteries are like incoming water pipers (high pressure), and veins are like outgoing sewer pipes (low pressure).” –Dr. Zoe Deol

If the venous side of your circulation is impaired, it is referred to as CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY (CVI). According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic venous insufficiency affects more than 30 million people in the United States, particularly women and those over age 50.

How Does Chronic Venous Insufficiency Affect Your Legs?

Your legs function like the foundation of your body. Just as a basement relies on a sump pump to remove water, your veins need support to move blood back up to the heart against gravity. The key players in this process include:

• Calf muscles: Every time you walk, your calf muscles contract and act as a natural “sump-pump” to push blood upward.
• Vein valves: These one-way valves act like “check valves,” preventing blood from flowing backward.

When these mechanisms fail, it results in a condition called venous reflux or” chronic venous insufficiency” (CVI.) CVI leads to blood pooling at your ankles and lower legs when you are in an upright position. The longer this condition is left untreated, the more it will overload the fluid drainage system in your skin, known as the lymphatics. When your lymphatics are overloaded, you will begin to notice swelling and skin darkening/thickening in the ankles and lower legs.

Over time, untreated chronic venous insufficiency will lead to open sores (ulcers) and even blood clots (DVT.) According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), venous ulcers are one of the most severe complications of chronic venous insufficiency due to their chronic nature, slow healing time, and potential for recurrence, significantly impacting quality of life.

Early Signs of Chronic Venous Insufficiency in Your Legs

The following symptoms may be early signs of chronic venous insufficiency:

• Daily aching and throbbing, often relieved by elevating the legs
• Daily/nightly cramping in the legs
• Daily heaviness or fatigue in the lower limbs, usually towards the end of the day
• Swelling, especially around the ankles and lower legs
• Visible varicose veins that throb or itch

Late Signs of Chronic Venous Insufficiency in Your Legs

The following symptoms may occur with years of untreated chronic venous insufficiency:

• Skin discoloration or darkening around the medial ankle or medial lower leg
• Open sores or ulcers on the medial ankle or medial lower legs

Any early or late signs/symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency should be evaluated by a vein specialist.

✅To schedule an appointment with Dr. Deol in Southgate (Detroit), MI, CLICK HERE

✅To schedule an appointment with Dr. Deol in Southfield, MI, CLICK HERE

✅To schedule an appointment with any of CVR’s other 70+ board-certified vein specialists nationwide, CLICK HERE

What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency in the Legs?

• Heredity: The vast majority of CVI is inherited through your family

What Worsens Chronic Venous Insufficiency in the Legs?

• Prolonged sitting or standing: Jobs that require long hours on your feet or sitting at a desk can hinder blood flow.
• Pregnancy: Increased blood volume and hormonal changes can weaken vein walls and valves.
• Obesity: Extra weight places additional pressure on veins, making it harder for blood to circulate properly.
• Aging: Over time, veins lose elasticity, and valves become less efficient.
• Smoking: Damages blood vessels and reduces circulation.
• Lack of physical activity: Exercise helps strengthen muscles that assist in moving blood through the veins.

How Can I Improve the Venous Circulation in My Legs?

The good news is that there are several ways to improve circulation and prevent vein disease. NYU Langone Health offers lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce symptoms and enhance vascular health, including:

1. Stay Active

Regular movement is one of the best ways to keep blood flowing. Try these activities:

• Walking or jogging for at least 30 minutes a day
• Stretching and moving your legs if you sit for long periods
• Doing calf raises or ankle circles to activate circulation

2. Wear Compression Stockings

Medical-grade compression stockings (20-30mmHg) help prevent blood from pooling in your legs. These garments apply gentle pressure, encouraging upward blood flow and reducing the workload on your lymphatic system, thereby reducing swelling.

3. Elevate Your Legs

If you experience swelling or leg fatigue, elevate your legs above heart level for 15-20 minutes at a time to help blood return to the heart more easily.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight increases pressure on your veins, contributing to circulation issues. Eating a balanced diet and staying active can help maintain healthy blood flow.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Vein-Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fiber, antioxidants, and hydration supports vein health. Try adding:

• Leafy greens (rich in antioxidants)
• Citrus fruits (high in vitamin C for collagen support)
• Fiber-rich foods (whole grains, beans, and nuts)
• Plenty of water to prevent dehydration
• Consider supplements containing MPFF (Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction) which will support health veins and lymphatics

6. Seek Vein Treatment if Needed

If symptoms persist, consult a vein doctor for an evaluation. Modern vein treatments are minimally invasive and are performed in a 20–30-minute office procedure with no time off work. Patients can return to their regular routine immediately after the procedure with little to no restrictions.

Options include:

• Endovenous thermal ablation treatment (EVTA): Uses either radiofrequency or laser energy to close off faulty veins, allowing the blood to circulate properly throughout the remaining good veins.
• Sclerotherapy: A simple injection that seals off varicose veins.
• Venaseal Uses glue to seal closed faulty veins
• Phlebectomy: Removal of large varicose veins with local anesthesia.

Regain Comfort and Confidence with Expert Vein Care

Don't let varicose veins or venous insufficiency diminish your well-being. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is nationally recognized for its excellence in vein care. CVR offers advanced, minimally invasive procedures that provide safe, effective relief for varicose veins and other symptoms of vein disease.

Our dedicated, board-certified vein doctors are committed to helping you regain comfort and confidence. Call 240-965-3915 to schedule an appointment with a caring, expert vein physician near you, or schedule your consultation online below.

When to See a Vein Expert

If you’re experiencing any of the above-listed early or late signs of chronic venous insufficiency, it’s time to visit a trusted vein center to prevent complications and improve your overall quality of life.

Your Journey to Improved Vein Health Starts at Center for Vein Restoration

At CVR, we are vein experts who understand the impact that vein disorders can have on your daily life. Our experienced vein care team offers state-of-the-art treatments in a comfortable outpatient setting, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.

Take the first step towards healthier legs by booking an appointment with our compassionate specialists.

To schedule a consultation with a board-certified vein physician near you, call 240-965-3915 or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

Venous Circulation and Leg Health: The Bottom Line

Your venous circulation plays a crucial role in your leg health. Understanding the causes of poor venous circulation and taking proactive steps to improve it can reduce your risk of developing complications from vein disease. If you experience symptoms of venous insufficiency, don’t ignore them—seek expert care from a trusted board-certified vein doctor today.

Center for Vein Restoration accepts most insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.