03/15/2026
About 40 percent of the US population may be affected by chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that can lead to more serious issues, including varicose veins. If you have chronic venous insufficiency, you typically experience heavy legs and swollen ankles at the end of the day. You may also experience pain or night cramps in your legs.
These symptoms occur when the valves in your veins become damaged, and it becomes difficult for blood to move up your legs toward your heart against gravity. The blood then starts pooling around your ankles and in your calves. With time, malfunctioning valves can result in varicose veins — twisted, rope-like veins of bluish or purple color, visible underneath your skin.
If venous conditions and related symptoms affect you, compression stockings might help.
People with vein-related conditions may experience heavy legs, swollen ankles, and leg cramps. If you have these symptoms, compression stockings might help.