A characteristic symptom of venous insufficiency is:

The defining characteristic symptom of venous insufficiency is swelling and edema, particularly in the lower extremities. This condition occurs when the veins struggle to return blood back to the heart, leading to blood pooling in the legs. As a result, increased pressure in the veins causes fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling, which can be exacerbated with prolonged standing or sitting.

In contrast, pain with exertion is more indicative of arterial insufficiency, where blood flow to the extremities is compromised during physical activity. Fever and chills are typically associated with infections or inflammatory processes rather than venous issues. Numbness in the fingers can hint at neurological issues or peripheral arterial disease, but it does not directly relate to venous insufficiency. Therefore, swelling and edema effectively encapsulate the primary symptom associated with this condition.