Understanding Vein Disease

Veins return blood from the body to the heart. Because veins in the legs must move blood upward against gravity, they rely on small, one-way valves that help prevent blood from flowing backward. The calf muscles also help by squeezing the veins during movement and pushing blood out of the lower legs.

The veins in the legs form an interconnected network made up of deep, superficial, and perforator veins.

Deep Veins

Deep veins are located within or alongside the leg muscles and carry most of the blood from the legs toward the heart. Because they perform an essential role in circulation, minimally invasive treatments for superficial vein disease generally do not target healthy deep veins.

A blood clot that forms in a deep vein is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is different from chronic superficial vein disease and requires prompt medical evaluation. Sudden pain, swelling, warmth, or redness, particularly in one leg, should not be ignored.

Superficial Veins

Superficial veins are located closer to the skin and collect blood from the skin and surrounding tissues before directing it into the deep venous system.

The great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein are two of the major superficial veins in the legs. When valves within superficial veins do not function properly, increased pressure can contribute to visible veins and other signs of vein disease.

Perforator Veins

Perforator veins connect the superficial veins with the deep venous system. Their valves normally help direct blood inward toward the deep veins.

When perforator vein valves do not function properly, blood may flow back toward the surface, increasing pressure in nearby veins and potentially contributing to swelling, varicose veins, skin changes, or venous ulcers.

Vein disease can appear in different ways depending on the veins involved, valve function, and the amount of pressure within the venous system.

Insuficiencia venosa crónica

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins have ongoing difficulty returning blood efficiently from the legs toward the heart. CVI may contribute to swelling, aching, heaviness, skin changes, varicose veins, and other complications.

Learn About Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Varices

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that commonly develop in the legs. They may appear raised or rope-like and can be associated with aching, swelling, heaviness, itching, or leg fatigue.

Learn About Varicose Veins

Reticular Veins

Reticular veins are blue or green veins visible beneath the skin. They are generally larger than spider veins but smaller and flatter than varicose veins. Some patients may experience aching, tenderness, or burning around the affected area.

Learn About Reticular Veins

Arañas vasculares

Spider veins are small red, blue, or purple vessels that often appear as thin lines, branches, or web-like patterns near the skin’s surface.

Although appearance may be the first concern, spider veins can occur alongside symptoms or other signs of vein disease. United Vein & Vascular Centers does not treat spider veins for cosmetic purposes alone. A vein screening can help determine whether visible veins may be associated with an underlying vein condition.

Learn About Spider Veins

Venous Stasis Dermatitis

Venous stasis dermatitis is skin inflammation associated with ongoing venous insufficiency. It may cause itching, dryness, swelling, thickened skin, or reddish-brown discoloration, particularly around the lower legs and ankles.

Learn About Venous Stasis Dermatitis

Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers are slow-healing wounds that commonly develop near the ankle when prolonged venous pressure damages the skin and surrounding tissue.

United Vein & Vascular Centers evaluates and treats vein disease that may be contributing to a venous ulcer but does not provide wound-care services.

Learn About Venous Ulcers

A vein screening is an initial evaluation used to review symptoms, relevant health history, and visible signs that may be related to vein disease with a board-certified vein specialist. Based on the findings, your specialist may recommend additional testing.

When appropriate, a duplex ultrasound can evaluate blood flow, valve function, and the deep, superficial, and perforator vein systems. It can also help identify the location and pattern of venous reflux.

A vein screening does not automatically include an ultrasound, and not every patient who completes a screening will need testing or treatment. Recommendations depend on the individual evaluation.