Vein Disorders & Venous Insufficiency
Typical vein disorders, like spider veins and varicose veins, are caused by a condition called venous insufficiency. It is a common misconception that these disorders are only a cosmetic concern. Venous insufficiency is a problem with the valves in the veins and often has associated symptoms, such as itching, burning, leg heaviness, or changes in the skin. If left untreated, a vein disorder can progress into worsening health problems, like; leg swelling, throbbing, cramping, or even open wounds and unhealing sores.
What is venous insufficiency?
Healthy, normal functioning veins have one-way valves in them that help move blood efficiently back up to the heart by preventing backward flow between heartbeats. When these valves are damaged, they can't close properly. Blood instead “falls” and collects, or “pools” in the veins. Also referred to as venous reflux, this backflow and pooling increases the pressure in the affected veins, resulting in increased damage over time.
Our Vein Clinic team includes staff with specialization in cardiovascular surgery. Upon referral, we will evaluate the patient's history and current condition, in addition to preforming a detailed venous reflux study in our office to develop an individualized best treatment plan for that patient.
The Vein Clinic provides venous reflux ultrasound, treatment and recovery, all in one convenient location. All procedures are done in-office.
Signs and symptoms
People who have venous disease may have the following symptoms, which can range from mild to severe:
- Leg or ankle swelling
- Leg fatigue or heaviness
- Leg pain, throbbing or cramping
- Restless legs
- Burning or itching of the skin
- Changes in the skin (dry, tight, discoloration)
- Ulcers, open wounds, bleeding varicose veins or sores
- Visible veins (blue, red or purple in color)
If appropriate, your physician will refer you to the Vein Clinic at Parkview Woodland Plaza where the care team will focus on assessing you for health conditions that may be contributing to your venous reflux. The team will discuss which therapies will be most appropriate for you.
Risk Factors
Many factors contribute to the presence of venous disease, including:
- Age
- Gender
- Family history
- Heavy lifting
- Multiple pregnancies
- Obesity
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- History of damage to your leg due to injury, surgery, or previous blood clots
Treatments
The type of treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease. Treatment can include:
- Exercise therapy
- Massage
- Leg elevation
- Weight loss
- Compression stockings
- Sequential compression devices
- Injections (sclerotherapy)
- Endovenous ablation
- (Closurefast™ and VenaSeal™ Closure)
- Surgical phlebectomy
Venous Disease Assessment Questions
- Do you experience any of the following signs and symptoms in your legs or ankles? Discuss your answers with your doctor.
- Leg pain, aching, or cramping
- Burning or itching of the skin
- Heavy or tired feeling in the legs
- Leg or ankle swelling, especially at the end of the day
- Visible varicose or spider veins
- Discoloration or texture changes, such as above the ankle
- Open wounds or sores, such as above the inner ankle
- Restless leg syndrome
- Has anyone in your family had varicose veins or been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency or venous reflux?
- Have you had any treatments or procedures for vein problems?
- Do you stand for long periods of time, such as at work?
- Do you frequently engage in heavy lifting?
- Have you ever been pregnant?
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team at the Vein Clinic is here to offer you advanced cardiovascular care.
Appointments & Referrals
Find information about how to be referred to the Vein Clinic and what to expect as a new patient.
