Understanding Vein Conditions.
Do you experience leg pain, swelling, aching, cramps, or restless legs? Are you concerned about visible, enlarged veins that affect your confidence? You’re not alone—over 40 million Americans have varicose veins, and around 2 million seek treatment each year.
Many people with spider or varicose veins may not realize these symptoms are often linked to an underlying vein disorder called Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
CVI happens when the valves in your leg veins become weakened or damaged, preventing blood from flowing properly back to the heart. Instead, blood pools in the legs, leading to symptoms like swelling, discomfort, and the development of varicose and spider veins.
Understanding the causes and signs of vein conditions is the first step toward effective treatment and better leg health.
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Common Symptoms of Vein Disease
Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency can resemble other health issues. Consult a United Vein specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
- Pain or aching of the legs
- Throbbing of the leg or muscles
- Leg or ankle swelling
- Itching
- Tightness of the legs
- Heaviness of the legs
- Spider Veins
- Varicose Veins
- Leg, foot or muscle cramps at night (charley horse)
- Restless legs (uncomfortable feeling in your legs or urge to move your legs)
- Brown colored skin, often near the ankles or lower part of the legs
- Leg ulcer (open sores or poorly healing wound)
- Pain with waking that stops when you rest
Understanding your Circulatory System
The circulatory system is made up of arteries and veins. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the muscles and organs in the body. Veins transport oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart to be re-oxygenated again. Venous blood in the legs must flow upward towards the heart – working against gravity. Calf and leg muscles help pump the blood upwards, while one-way valves inside the veins open to allow blood to pass through and close to prevent blood from leaking backwards – working as stop gates.
The venous system of the legs consists of the superficial vein system (e.g. great and small saphenous veins, deep vein system (e.g. femoral and popliteal veins) and communicating vein system (e.g. perforating veins) that connect the superficial and deep systems.
The Hidden Vein Problem: Venous Insufficiency
Healthy veins rely on one-way valves to help blood flow upward from the superficial veins to the deep veins and back to the heart—working against gravity. When these valves become damaged or weak, blood can leak backward (venous reflux), causing it to pool in the leg veins.
This pooling increases pressure and inflammation, stretching and weakening vein walls. Over time, this leads to bulging, twisted veins known as varicose or spider veins.
When deep vein valves fail, high pressure pushes blood back into the superficial veins, worsening vein damage and causing multi-level vein problems. Superficial vein reflux is the most common cause of varicose and spider veins.
Vein Treatment Options
At United Vein & Vascular Centers, our board-certified physicians offer the latest minimally invasive treatments to address a variety of vein conditions. Explore our specialized procedures, including:
Frequently Asked Questions
Vein problems often result from weakened or damaged vein valves, which can cause blood to pool in the legs. Genetics, aging, pregnancy, and prolonged standing or sitting are common factors.
While many vein issues are cosmetic or cause mild discomfort, untreated vein disease can lead to complications like swelling, skin changes, and in severe cases, ulcers or blood clots.
Vein specialists typically use a physical exam and ultrasound imaging to assess blood flow and identify vein valve issues for an accurate diagnosis.
Contact UVVC for a Consultation
United Vein & Vascular Centers are Nationally IAC accredited facilities which means they have undergone a thorough review of their operational and technical components by a panel of experts in the field .Your vein health and quality of life are important. Treatment for common vein conditions like spider veins or varicose veins are typically quick and easy, requiring no down time or hospital stays.
There’s never been a better time to address your vein health issues. Most insurance providers including Medicare cover vein treatments; feel free to ask us about your coverage. We’re available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have about vein health or treatment. Call us today to talk about taking charge of your vein health.