Venous Disease

Venous disease develops when the one‑way valves in your leg veins weaken or become damaged, allowing blood to pool and causing symptoms like aching, swelling and visible veins. With lifestyle changes and minimally invasive treatments, most people with this condition can regain comfort, improve circulation and maintain an active lifestyle.

What Is Venous Disease?

Venous disease refers to a range of conditions in which the veins, most often in the legs, lose their ability to return blood to the heart efficiently. In someone without venous disease, tiny one‑way valves inside the veins open and close with each muscle contraction, preventing blood from flowing backward. When these valves weaken or become damaged, blood can pool in the legs, increasing pressure on vein walls and leading to symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling and visible bulging veins.

Types of Venous Disorders: 

• Varicose veins: Twisted, enlarged superficial veins that appear bluish or purple and can cause discomfort or a heavy sensation
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): The formation of a blood clot in a deep leg vein and also one of the thrombotic forms of venous disease, which can cause sudden pain and swelling and may lead to serious complications if untreated
• Spider veins: Small clusters of red or blue veins near the skin’s surface, typically painless but sometimes a cosmetic concern
• Venous reflux disease: When one-way valves in the leg veins fail, allowing blood to flow backward and pool, often leading to varicose veins, swelling and leg fatigue
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): Long‑term vein valve failure, leading to persistent swelling, skin changes and an increased ulcer risk

Venous Disease Risk Factors 

Venous diseases are caused by weakened or damaged vein valves that disrupt normal blood flow. Risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing this condition include a family history of vein problems, age, prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, pregnancy and prior leg injury or surgery. Recognizing and addressing these causes early can help slow progression and improve outcomes.

What Are the Symptoms of Venous Disease? 

Venous disease can manifest through a variety of uncomfortable and visible signs in your legs, including: 

• Aching, throbbing or a heavy sensation in the legs
• Swelling (edema) around the ankles or calves
• Visible bulging or twisted veins
• Clusters of small red or blue veins near the skin’s surface
• Leg cramps or restless legs, especially at night
• Itching, burning or pins and needles sensations along the vein paths
• Skin discoloration (brownish or bluish patches) and dryness
• Thickening or hardening of the skin
• Venous ulcers or open sores around the ankles in advanced cases

Lifestyle Changes and Medications  for Venous Disease 

Regular exercise, leg elevation and weight management can improve circulation and reduce pressure on the veins. Medications, such as antiplatelets, anticoagulants or venoactive drugs, can reduce clot risk or vein inflammation.
 

Our Approach to Venous Disease 

Treatment At Inspira, we offer personalized care for venous disease with our multidisciplinary team of vascular specialists, wound care specialists, imaging professionals, interventional radiologists. Using advanced diagnostics, we create a custom treatment plan to address your specific needs. Our team guides you through every step, focusing on comfort, mobility and improved vein health. Whether you’re managing varicose veins or facing complications like leg ulcers or DVT, we’re here to guide you through every step of your treatment journey with compassion.