Chronic Venous Insufficiency Treatment in Chicago
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) means the valves in the leg veins no longer close properly, so blood flows backward and pools in the lower legs. It causes aching, heaviness, swelling and skin changes, and it tends to get worse over time without treatment. Every visit starts with a venous duplex ultrasound, so treatment is matched to what is actually happening in your veins. Dr. Nidal Elbaridi performs every procedure in the office at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
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Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
What venous insufficiency is
Varicose veins develop when the valves that keep blood moving toward the heart stop working correctly. Blood pools inside the vessel and causes it to stretch and bulge. The underlying problem is called venous insufficiency. It is the source of both the visible veins and leg symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling and night cramps.
You can have venous insufficiency without visible varicose veins: the leaking vein can be deeper under the skin, where only the ultrasound shows it.
Also called
Chronic venous insufficiency, CVI, venous insufficiency, venous reflux or chronic venous disease.
Common symptoms
- Visible bulging, twisted or cord-like veins
- Leg heaviness or tiredness after standing
- Aching, throbbing or cramping in the lower legs
- Swelling in the ankles or feet by the end of the day
- Itching or burning around visible veins
- Darkening or thickening of the skin near the ankles
- Leg ulcers or wounds that are slow to heal
- Restless legs, particularly at night
Who should be checked
Anyone with these symptoms, especially if they get worse through the day or after long periods of standing or sitting, or if the skin near the ankle is changing. Varicose veins that cause symptoms are not a cosmetic issue.
When it’s something else
Leg swelling can also come from the heart, kidneys or liver, from medications, from lymphedema, or from a problem in the deep veins. If the ultrasound shows your symptoms come from something other than venous insufficiency, Dr. Elbaridi tells you and coordinates with your primary care doctor.
Suspected blood clot: go to the ER.
A sudden, painful, swollen leg is different from CVI. If one leg is suddenly swollen, painful, warm or red, or you have chest pain or shortness of breath, go to the emergency room now.
It starts with a duplex ultrasound
A visual exam alone isn’t enough. Your evaluation begins with a venous duplex ultrasound, a non-invasive study that measures blood flow direction and velocity, identifies which vessels have valve failure, and shows whether the problem starts in the deep or superficial venous system.
Dr. Elbaridi reviews your ultrasound with you and performs your procedure himself. The right approach depends on the size and location of the affected veins, the severity of venous insufficiency, and your health history.
The visit
Every vein patient has a duplex ultrasound, usually at the first visit, after Dr. Elbaridi takes your history and examines your legs. Dr. Elbaridi reviews the results with you, usually at the same visit, and explains which treatment, if any, fits your veins.
How CVI is treated
Treatment closes or removes the leaking surface veins, so blood is redirected to healthier veins nearby. Compression stockings, walking and raising your legs help with symptoms, and are often the first step insurance requires.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency heat delivered through a thin catheter closes the vein, which is gradually replaced by scar tissue.
More about vein RFA Adhesive closureVenaSeal
Most patients need only local anesthetic; sedation is available if you want it. You’ll wear compression stockings afterward.
More about VenaSeal Foam injectionVarithena
A medicated foam injected through a small needle under ultrasound guidance. It fills the diseased vein and closes it, with no heat and no incision.
More about Varithena InjectionsSclerotherapy
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy reaches deeper veins not visible at the surface.
More about sclerotherapy RemovalMicrophlebectomy
Bulging varicose veins just under the skin are removed through tiny openings, under local anesthetic, with no stitches.
More about microphlebectomy All treatmentsVaricose vein treatment in Chicago
Every treatment we offer, side by side.
Read the guideWhen compression alone is enough
When symptoms are mild, or the ultrasound shows no significant reflux in a surface vein, compression stockings and daily habits may be all you need. Dr. Elbaridi rechecks you if symptoms change.
Comfort and time
Local anesthetic only for most patients. Sedation is available if you want it. You’ll wear compression stockings afterward. Most vein procedures take under an hour per leg in the office, with no general anesthesia, and most patients return to normal activities the same day.
What treatment can and can’t do
Closing the leaking vein usually eases heaviness, aching and swelling, and can help skin changes and slow-healing wounds improve. A vein that has been successfully closed usually stays closed. However, new varicose veins can develop over time if the underlying tendency toward venous insufficiency continues.
Compression stockings, regular movement, and periodic follow-up help manage long-term recurrence.
Every day
- Walk every day; your calf muscles help push blood back toward the heart
- Wear compression stockings as Dr. Elbaridi advises
- Raise your legs above heart level when you rest
- Take breaks from long periods of sitting or standing
- Keep a healthy weight
Dr. Nidal Elbaridi, MD
- Harvard Medical School phlebology training (2015)
- Medtronic VenaSeal and radiofrequency ablation certification (2019)
- Boston Scientific Varithena certification (2023)
Insurance and pre-authorization
Medical vein treatment is covered by most insurance when ultrasound confirms venous insufficiency. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward. We do not charge out-of-network rates.
Insurance accepted
Most insurance accepted, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, PPO and HMO plans. Coverage depends on medical necessity — we verify before your visit.
What Chicago patients say about Loop
Dr. Elbaridi and the entire team are truly exceptional. Their bedside manner and genuine care make you feel like more than just another patient…
I’ve been coming to Loop Medical Center for my vein procedures with Dr. Nidal, and I couldn’t be more impressed…
Venous insufficiency questions, answered
Is venous insufficiency dangerous?
It isn’t an emergency, but left untreated it can lead to skin damage and leg ulcers. Suspected blood clot: go to the ER.
Can CVI go away on its own?
No. Damaged vein valves don’t repair themselves. Compression and daily habits can ease symptoms, and treatment closes or removes the leaking veins.
Do I have CVI if I don’t have visible varicose veins?
You might. Swelling, heaviness or skin changes can come from a leaking vein you can’t see, and the duplex ultrasound shows it.
Is CVI the same as a blood clot (DVT)?
No. CVI is a long-term problem with the vein valves; a deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot. A past clot can damage the valves and lead to CVI, and the ultrasound checks for both.
Will compression stockings fix it?
They ease symptoms, but they don’t repair the valves. Many insurers require a trial of compression stockings before they approve a procedure.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Medical vein treatment is covered by most insurance when ultrasound confirms venous insufficiency. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward.
Related pages
Book your vein evaluation at Loop Medical Center
Same-week appointments at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.