Vein Disease

Symptoms of Vein Disease

The symptoms of venous disease can cause both visible vein changes and uncomfortable symptoms in the legs. Some people notice spider veins or varicose veins first, while others experience swelling, aching, skin changes, or leg fatigue.

Common vein disease symptoms include:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Tired, aching legs
• Burning in the calf or thigh
• Leg pain that improves with walking or elevation
• Itchy, dry skin
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Difficulty standing for prolonged periods
• Open, non-healing leg wounds 
• Varicose veins and spider veins

If you have visible veins or other signs of venous disease, consult a vein specialist for a diagnosis to alleviate symptoms and prevent disease progression.

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Symptoms of Venous Disease Requiring Immediate Attention

Some symptoms of venous disease may actually indicate a blood clot and warrant immediate medical attention. Seek medical attention immediately if you have:

• Unexplained leg cramping 
• Swelling in one leg
• Skin that appears red and warm to the touch

What Causes Vein Disease

Vein disease develops when vein valves become strained over time. Repeated pressure weakens the valves, allowing blood to flow backward (referred to as reflux) and pool in the lower legs. This pooling increases internal pressure, which stretches the veins and eventually leads to visible varicose veins and other complications.

The legs are most affected by vein disease because gravity makes it more difficult for blood to return to the heart. This process places greater pressure on leg veins than on veins elsewhere in the body, especially when sitting or standing for prolonged periods.

Vein Disease Risk Factors

Many factors can lead to the development of vein disease. Some of these may be managed with lifestyle changes, although the best way to treat venous disease is through treatment from a vein specialist. 

Common risk factors for vein disease include:

• Genetics: If one or both of your parents have varicose veins, you are considered at increased risk. 
• Age: As you grow older, veins tend to weaken and become more susceptible to venous issues. Vein disease is more common in adults over age 50, but anyone at any age can be affected.
• Sex and Hormones: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins due to hormonal influences and pregnancy-related changes.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): Being obese or overweight increases pressure on your veins, causing them to enlarge. Maintaining a healthy BMI can lower your risk of developing venous insufficiency. 
• Smoking: Smoking can weaken veins, impact blood circulation, and affect your overall health. 
• Underlying health conditions: Some health conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes, may increase your risk of developing vein disease. The best way to treat venous disease is to consult your doctor about any underlying issues.
• Long periods of standing or sitting: Standing or sitting for prolonged periods affects circulation and can lead to vein disease. Most people benefit from getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, five days a week, so take frequent breaks to move around and switch positions.

If you are at risk of developing vein disease, visit a vein specialist at USA Vein Clinics for personalized recommendations tailored to your level of risk and condition.

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How Is Vein Disease Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a consultation and physical examination. A vein specialist will review your symptoms and medical history and examine your legs for swelling, discoloration, or ulcers. Most patients also undergo a duplex ultrasound to evaluate blood flow, identify valve dysfunction, detect blood clots, and determine the severity of venous disease. An accurate diagnosis helps your vein specialist recommend the most effective treatment.

How to Treat Venous Disease

At USA Vein Clinics, we offer a range of minimally invasive, office-based vein treatments. These minimally invasive treatments effectively relieve symptoms of venous disease while lowering the risk of complications.

Our vein disease treatment options include:

• Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): With ultrasound guidance, a specialist inserts a very thin laser fiber into the diseased vein, then applies laser energy to seal it off.
• Visual sclerotherapy: This technique can be used on very small veins, such as spider veins. Your vein specialist inserts a tiny needle with a sclerosant (a type of irritant) into the affected vein, causing it to collapse.
• Varithena™ Vein Treatment: This treatment uses a type of medical foam to close off malfunctioning veins. When performing the procedure, your doctor will use ultrasound imaging for guidance.  
• ClariVein®: ClariVein® uses a rotating catheter to inject a medical solution that closes targeted veins. 
• Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy: This treatment is for veins near the skin’s surface. Using ultrasound guidance, your vein specialist injects sclerosants that irritate and collapse targeted veins.
• VenaSeal™ Treatment: This option uses a medical adhesive to seal varicose veins closed. Unlike other treatments, patients are not required to wear compression socks during recovery.

Your vein specialist will help determine which method is best for you. To get started, schedule an appointment online or call 888.768.3467 today.

Request a Consultation with USA Vein Clinics

USA Vein Clinics’ experienced vein specialists can help diagnose and treat venous disease. Our specialists provide non-surgical treatment for varicose veins, spider veins, and other vein disorders. We have state-of-the-art outpatient clinics located nationwide, making vein treatment accessible and convenient. 

Vein Disease FAQs

What is vein disease?

Vein disease occurs when damaged vein valves allow blood to pool in the legs, causing aching, swelling, skin changes, varicose veins, and non-healing wounds. This pooling typically happens in the legs, feet, and ankles.  

Is vein disease deadly​?

Vein disease is not typically fatal, but complications can be serious. Advanced venous disease may cause ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or even blood clots that can travel to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism. If you notice symptoms of DVT, seek immediate medical care for a diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications.

What is chronic vein disease​?

Chronic vein disease refers to long-term valve dysfunction in the leg veins. When valves fail, blood pools in the lower extremities, causing swelling, pain, and visible changes in veins. 

Can vein disease be reversed​?

Vein disease cannot be reversed, but in some cases, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and minimally invasive vein treatments. If you’re experiencing symptoms of venous disease, consult a vein specialist.