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Millions of people in the U.S. live with leg discomfort, swelling, skin changes and visible veins, all of which are signs of underlying vein disease. Each of these uncomfortable symptoms can begin to interfere with your life and well-being.

At Physicians Vein Clinics, we help patients find relief with dedicated vein services. One of the first things we do when you come in for a consultation is work on diagnosing vein disease if it is present so we can begin treating it. Left untreated, vein disease can progress and become even more uncomfortable and can lead to more serious complications. You can start the process by calling us at 888-782-8346 for a free screening or a consultation.

What Is Vein Disease?

Venous disease starts when blood doesn’t flow properly through the veins back to the heart. The pooling of blood in the vein (venous reflux) causes it to swell, leading to discoloration and discomfort. Large visible veins are called varicose veins, while smaller veins are known as spider veins. Sometimes venous reflux can also occur in veins that are not visible on the surface.

Varicose veins and spider veins come in all shapes and sizes. They affect approximately 40% of adults. While many see varicose veins and spider veins as a cosmetic matter, varicose veins could actually lead to life-threatening health issues without proper treatment.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is an advanced type of vein disease that develops when the valves inside your leg veins weaken enough that they can no longer move blood upward efficiently. The ongoing pressure can cause discomfort in the legs if not treated. Varicose veins and spider veins are signs that the venous system is not functioning as efficiently, but not everyone with these visible veins will go on to develop CVI. About 1 in 50 people who have varicose veins will eventually have CVI as well, a risk that increases with age.

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Causes and Risk Factors of Vein Disease

Damaged or Weakened Vein Valves

Healthy vein valves open and close to move blood upward toward the heart, in partnership with muscle contractions that push blood against gravity. These valves can weaken or fail, allowing blood to move backward and collect in the legs.

Generics

The risk of CVI is influenced by family history. Some patients inherit structural differences in their veins that make them more prone to stretching and valve failure. If close relatives like parents, grandparents and siblings have struggled with vein problems, early evaluation is helpful.

Age and Hormone Changes

Along with other changes in the body, aging can cause vein walls to become less firm and responsive. Chronic venous insufficiency is more common in patients who are over 50.

Prolonged Sitting or Standing

Movement helps the calf and leg muscles to push blood back toward the heart. When you sit or stand for a long time, muscles are less active. If this continues long-term, it can increase your risk for symptomatic vein disease.

Obesity

When the body carries excess weight, the venous system must work harder to circulate blood because of added pressure on the veins. This strain may worsen or contribute to CVI over time.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a risk factor for developing vein diseases. During this time, women are more likely to experience spider veins or varicose veins. While some of these conditions often fade after delivery, some women benefit from treatment for their vein disease, and a woman doesn’t need to be done having kids to seek treatment.

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Post-Thrombotic Syndrome

A prior blood clot in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis) can permanently scar the vein and affect circulation. It is fairly common for patients who have had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to develop a type of chronic venous insufficiency called post-thrombotic syndrome. 20-50% of DVT patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome a year or two after the clot resolves.

Signs and Symptoms of Vein Disease

  • Restless legs
  • Leg heaviness
  • Spider veins
  • Varicose veins
  • Leg aching
  • Leg ulcers
  • Ankle and leg swelling
  • Skin discoloration
  • Itching and burning
  • Skin rash like eczema
  • Muscle cramping

Vein Disease Treatment Options

Your vein treatment plan depends on your age, health conditions and symptoms. Vein disease can get worse without timely and proper treatment.

Treatment for varicose veins and spider veins includes:

Conservative Therapy

Conservative therapy improves circulation without injections, heat or chemical solutions. One effective treatment is prescription compression stockings, which provide more support than over-the-counter varieties. Our 20-30mmHg or higher stockings reduce swelling and discomfort and encourage blood to flow upwards. They are graduated, with higher pressure at the bottom, to make this even more efficient. We may also have you incorporate other strategies, as well such as leg elevation and increased activity, to slow the progression of vein disease.

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation

This treatment targets a faulty vein from the inside using radiofrequency energy. We guide a thin catheter into the vein and apply heat that causes the vein walls to contract and close. Once sealed, the blood naturally flows through healthier veins nearby. Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is suitable for veins near the knee, truncal veins and perforator veins.

Varithena

During Varithena, a medical microfoam fills the diseased vein and irritates the vein wall. The vein seals in response, hardening and eventually being reabsorbed by the body.

VenaSeal

VenaSeal closes a malfunctioning vein using a medical adhesive delivered through a catheter. We numb the area with local anesthetic and then insert the catheter, placing the adhesive precisely along the vein while putting pressure on the vein from outside.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment that uses a solution to irritate the inner lining of the vein and prompt it to seal. There are different types of sclerotherapy that can be used depending on the type of vein, including liquid and foam treatments. We also use ultrasound technology to see exactly where we are placing the injections.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy can be helpful for large surface veins that cannot be effectively treated with injections. We remove sections of the problematic vein through openings in the skin made with a small punch. Relief from heaviness, swelling and bulging can come quickly after ambulatory phlebectomy

Learn More About Vein Procedures

Vein Disease Prevention

While not all cases of vein disease can be avoided, healthy circulation habits may lower your risk of developing spider veins. Small daily changes can support vein function and reduce pressure in the legs:

  • Stay physically active to keep calf muscles engaged and blood moving upward
  • Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods
  • Elevate your legs when resting to reduce venous pressure
  • Maintain a healthy weight to decrease strain on leg veins
  • Wear compression stockings if we recommend them
  • Protect your skin from prolonged sun exposure, especially on the legs

Find a Vein Disease Specialist Near Me

If you are searching for a trusted provider for vein disease, we make it simple to take the next step. You can schedule a free screening at Physicians Vein Clinics with no referral required. During your visit, a board-certified physician will review your results, answer your questions and discuss treatment options that fit your needs. We perform treatments in-office, typically in under an hour, with little to no downtime. All of the options we offer are minimally invasive.

Find a Vein Clinic Near You

Why Physicians Vein Clinics

  • Board-certified vein specialists who diagnose and treat vein disease every day
  • 14 convenient vein centers across South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Minnesota
  • All vein treatments are minimally invasive and performed in-office with little to no downtime
  • Free vein screening available with no referral required, and most insurance plans accepted

FAQs About Vein Disease

What is the treatment for a bulging vein on my ankle?

There are multiple treatment options such as VENCLOSE Radiofrequency Ablation, Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation, Non-thermal, etc.

When should I see a vein specialist?

Symptoms of vein disease can be mistaken for other health issues. The best way to diagnose a vein condition is to find a vein specialist near you and have an in-person appointment. Not sure how to find your doctor? Look up “vein specialist near me” on Google. Better option: Book a FREE screening with our experts at Physicians Vein Clinics to learn more about your conditions, risk factors, treatment plans and insurance coverage.

Am I safe to fly I have varicose veins?

In most cases, it is not dangerous to fly with varicose veins. However, our physicians recommend that you take the proper precautions to protect yourself from adverse reactions.

How much does it cost for vein care and vein treatment?

The cost varies depending on the severity of your vein conditions, which procedure is best for you and your insurance coverage. The first consultation is usually covered by insurance. If your vein condition is considered medically necessary for treatment by your vein doctor, we will make every reasonable effort to seek reimbursement from your insurance company. Please understand that we can’t guarantee that they will provide payment. Treatment of spider veins is almost always considered cosmetic concern by insurance companies and is not covered.