Category Archives: Varicose Veins

Do your legs feel heavy or look swollen by the end of the day? Maybe you’ve noticed dark patches or veins starting to bulge.

These changes can be frustrating and make you want to cover up, but they often point to a common issue called venous stasis.

This happens when blood pools in your lower legs instead of moving back toward your heart. It can cause swelling, skin discoloration, and visible veins.

In this article, you’ll learn what venous stasis is, why it develops, and how you can restore your legs’ health and appearance.

What Is Venous Stasis?

Venous stasis develops when the small valves inside your veins stop keeping blood moving back to the heart.

When these valves weaken, blood pools in your lower legs and creates pressure inside the blood vessels. This pressure slows circulation and affects nearby tissue.

You might start to notice changes such as:

• Leg swelling that worsens after long periods of standing or sitting
• Itching or dryness on the lower leg or around the ankles
• Varicose veins or spider veins are becoming more visible
• Skin color turning reddish-brown or purplish from trapped blood
• Tightness or discomfort that makes your legs feel heavy

Doctors often refer to this condition as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or venous stasis dermatitis. Over time, untreated venous stasis can lead to open sores, called venous ulcers, or even skin infections.

How Venous Stasis Affects the Condition of Your Legs

Venous stasis gradually changes how your legs look and feel. As blood pooling continues, pressure builds inside the veins.

Over time, that increased pressure affects nearby tissue and skin, creating visible and sometimes uncomfortable symptoms.

1. Swelling and Fluid Buildup

When veins stop moving blood back to the heart, fluid collects in the lower extremities. Your ankles might appear puffy, and your legs can feel tight or heavy, especially at the end of the day.

This swelling, called edema, is one of the earliest signs of venous disease. It tends to worsen after long periods of sitting or standing, when calf muscles aren’t helping push blood upward.

As pressure builds, your skin may leave marks from socks or shoes and feel warm to the touch.

2. Spider and Varicose Veins

When blood pressure remains high inside the veins, the vein walls stretch and weaken. This causes varicose veins and spider veins to appear on the surface of the skin.

They often look blue, purple, or red and may twist or bulge along the calves or behind the knees.

These visible veins are a sign of venous hypertension. The blood that should move upward stays trapped instead.

Many people describe a heavy, throbbing, or tired feeling in the legs, which tends to worsen after sitting or standing for long periods.

3. Skin Changes and Discoloration

As inflammation develops under the skin, its color and texture begin to change. The skin near the ankles or lower leg may turn reddish-brown or purplish. It can feel dry, tight, or itchy to the touch.

These skin changes happen because blood and fluid leak from the veins and irritate the surrounding tissue.

Over time, the skin may thicken and become more fragile. Doctors often refer to this stage as stasis dermatitis or venous eczema.

When the condition progresses, the skin may appear shiny or feel stretched. Some people also experience small flakes or scabs where the skin has cracked from dryness or irritation.

4. Open Sores and Ulcers

If venous stasis continues for a long time, fragile skin can break down. Small scratches or bumps can turn into open sores, known as venous ulcers.

These wounds usually form near the ankles, where blood pressure is highest.

Venous ulcers heal slowly because the blood flow to the area is poor. They may ooze fluid or form a shallow crater-like appearance.

The skin around them often looks red, irritated, or discolored. If left untreated, the ulcers can become infected, leading to further complications that affect your legs’ appearance.

What Causes Venous Stasis?

Venous stasis starts when venous valves weaken and blood struggles to move upward toward the heart. This creates pressure in the veins and allows blood to collect in the lower legs.

Several factors can cause or worsen the condition:

• Weak vein valves: When venous valves lose strength, they let blood flow backward. This backward flow causes venous obstruction and swelling in the lower extremities.
• Prolonged sitting or standing: Staying in one position too long reduces calf muscle activity. The blood slows down, which raises pressure inside the veins and leads to pain and puffiness.
• Past blood clots: A blood clot can block a vein, forcing blood to build up behind it. This blockage increases risk factors for venous hypertension and later skin symptoms.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and higher blood volume add pressure to the veins. This can cause varicose eczema, leg swelling, or early skin discoloration.
• Obesity: Excess weight adds pressure to the lower legs and limits circulation. It can lead to inflammation and other complications, such as venous stasis ulcers.
• Age and family history: Weakened vein walls and a family history of venous disease raise the chance of developing leg ulcers or venous insufficiency.

These health conditions and lifestyle factors gradually weaken circulation. As the condition progresses, poor blood flow causes visible skin changes and discomfort.

Cosmetic and Medical Treatments for Venous Stasis

Venous stasis treatment aims to restore healthy circulation and improve the appearance of your legs. The right treatment plan depends on your diagnosis, medical conditions, and overall clinical presentation.

A healthcare provider will usually start with a physical examination to understand how the condition affects you before suggesting treatment options.

At-Home and Lifestyle Care

In many cases, small daily habits can make a noticeable difference. Compression stockings are one of the most effective tools for managing venous stasis.

They apply gentle pressure to your legs, which helps prevent blood from collecting in the lower veins.

It also helps to move your body regularly. Walking, swimming, or light stretching strengthens your calf muscles, which naturally push blood upward.

Try to avoid long periods of sitting or standing still. Even a few minutes of movement every hour keeps circulation steady.

Caring for your skin is just as important. Good skin hygiene prevents irritation and dryness caused by poor circulation. Use mild soaps, pat your skin dry, and apply a moisturizer daily to protect fragile areas.

Medical and Cosmetic Procedures

If symptoms persist, your healthcare provider may recommend medical treatments that target the damaged veins.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution that closes smaller veins, helping them fade over time. Endovenous ablation uses gentle heat or laser energy to seal larger veins, which improves blood flow and reduces pain or swelling.

If inflammation or irritation develops, your healthcare provider may prescribe topical steroid creams to calm the skin. They might also prescribe oral antibiotics if an infection occurs.

In severe cases involving leg ulcers or long-term damage, surgery or other treatments may be necessary.

Each approach focuses on improving circulation, reducing visible changes, and protecting your skin’s health. Your medical director or vein specialist will guide you through the safest and most effective options for your situation.

Renew Your Leg Health and Appearance With Wellness and Pain

If you’ve noticed swelling, skin discoloration, or veins that seem more visible than before, it’s time to get them checked. Venous stasis affects how your legs look and how they feel each day.

At Wellness and Pain, every appointment starts with listening. You’ll meet a healthcare provider who takes time to understand your symptoms and overall clinical presentation.

During your visit, they perform a detailed physical examination to assess how your veins function and identify where circulation slows.

Once they understand what’s happening, your care team creates a personalized treatment plan that fits your daily routine. This may include lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly or adjusting habits that influence circulation.

The goal is to help your legs feel lighter and healthier while restoring their natural appearance.

If venous stasis has caused discomfort or visible changes, schedule your consultation with Wellness and Pain. 

Professional attention can restore comfort, support healthy circulation, and help your legs feel lighter again.

FAQs About Venous Stasis

What is venous stasis?

Venous stasis happens when the veins in your legs don’t move blood back to the heart properly.

Weak venous valves cause blood to pool in the lower legs. It leads to swelling, skin discoloration, and other symptoms such as itching or tightness.

This condition affects people of all ages but is more common in adults with poor circulation.

How do you fix venous stasis?

Treatment improves circulation and lowers pressure inside the veins. Healthcare providers may suggest compression stockings, exercising regularly, or elevating your legs.

Some patients may need procedures like sclerotherapy or endovenous ablation to improve blood flow. 

Early care prevents ulcers and reduces the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, which can form from chronic wounds.

What is the main cause of chronic venous insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency happens when venous valves become weak or damaged. The blood flows backward instead of moving toward the heart. This raises pressure in the veins and causes venous hypertension.

Factors like obesity, pregnancy, past blood clots, or long periods of sitting or standing can make it worse.

What does venous stasis look like?

It often starts with swelling around the ankles or lower legs. The skin may turn reddish-brown or purple and feel dry or itchy. 

In advanced stages, open sores or venous ulcers can form. Visible varicose veins and spider veins are also common signs.

Have your legs started to look different, with veins that seem more visible or patches of darker skin? These changes may not just be cosmetic.

They can signal venous insufficiency, a condition that affects how blood moves through your veins.

When vein valves weaken, blood can pool in the legs and cause swelling, visible veins, and uneven skin tone. This can leave your legs feeling heavy and looking tired.

This article will explain what venous insufficiency is, why it affects your appearance, and the options available to help your legs look and feel healthier again.

What Is Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the vein valves in your legs stop pushing blood upward toward the heart.

When this happens, blood pools in the leg veins, creating venous reflux. This process increases venous pressure and slows circulation.

The added pressure in the superficial veins and deep veins can cause varicose veins, spider veins, and leg swelling. You may also feel dull aching, cramps, or heaviness in your legs after prolonged standing.

These symptoms often worsen when the calf muscles weaken or the venous valves are severely damaged.

When symptoms persist, a vascular surgeon may recommend radiofrequency ablation or another minimally invasive procedure. These treatments help restore healthier circulation and reduce discomfort.

How Chronic Venous Insufficiency Affects Physical Appearance

Chronic venous insufficiency often becomes noticeable through visible skin changes. When venous blood pools in the superficial venous system, it raises venous pressure and weakens the vein walls.

This can create visible veins, discoloration, and swelling that gradually worsen without care.

You may notice:

• Varicose veins: Large, raised veins that twist beneath the skin and may appear bluish or purplish.
• Spider veins: Thin, web-like lines that form close to the skin’s surface, often around the thighs or ankles.
• Skin discoloration: Dark brown or reddish patches caused by blood pigments seeping into nearby tissues.
• Leg swelling: A sign of fluid buildup when circulation slows. It often worsens after long periods of sitting or standing.
• Stasis dermatitis: Dry, itchy, or thickened skin that develops due to poor circulation and inflammation.
• Venous ulcers: Open wounds that may appear near the ankles when skin changes remain untreated.

Treating chronic venous disease early can improve blood flow and prevent permanent skin damage.

Common Symptoms and Risk Factors of CVI

The symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency develop when vein valves weaken and can no longer move blood through the legs. 

As blood pools in the deep and superficial veins, pressure builds and leads to several noticeable changes.

Common symptoms include:

• Leg swelling, often noticeable after long periods of sitting or standing.
• Dull aching or heaviness that worsens through the day.
• Visible blood vessels, such as varicose veins and spider veins.
• Skin changes, including redness, thickening, or dark discoloration near the ankles.
• Stasis dermatitis, i.e., when the skin becomes dry, itchy, or irritated.
• Muscle spasms or leg cramps at night.

Main risk factors include:

• Age, since vein walls lose elasticity over time.
• Obesity raises pressure inside the leg veins.
• Pregnancy, with hormonal changes and weight gain, affects circulation.
• Prolonged standing or sitting at work.
• A medical history of deep vein thrombosis or other venous disorders.

Early diagnosis through a physical exam or duplex ultrasound allows for effective management. Compression therapy, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments can improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.

Medical Evaluation for Venous Insufficiency

Getting chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed early helps your doctor understand how well blood moves through your veins.

Early detection prevents associated complications such as venous stasis ulcers, severe swelling, or noticeable skin changes.

1. Initial Evaluation

Your doctor begins with a medical history and physical exam. They look for varicose veins, leg swelling, and dark patches near the ankles.

You may be asked if you sit or stand for long hours with your legs dangling. This position raises venous pressure and often causes achy or tired legs.

Be open about previous vein problems, injuries, or a family history of venous disease. That information helps your doctor determine whether the issue affects the deep veins or superficial veins.

They may also check your skin temperature and texture to find early signs of poor circulation.

2. Duplex Ultrasound Examination

A duplex ultrasound confirms the diagnosis. The test uses sound waves to show real-time blood flow in the deep veins, small saphenous vein, and common femoral vein.

It helps your doctor detect venous reflux, weak valves, or narrow areas that restrict blood movement.

If blood flows downward instead of upward, it signals valve damage. Finding this early prevents stasis dermatitis, venous hypertension, and tissue damage that can cause venous ulcers.

3. Further Assessment and Care

Sometimes, your doctor may order more imaging to locate the exact venous etiology, or cause of reflux.

Once identified, treatment may include compression therapy, daily activity changes, or a minimally invasive procedure such as vein stripping.

Better circulation helps existing wounds heal and prevents new ulcers from forming. Accurate diagnosis ensures your treatment improves both vein health and the appearance of your legs.

How to Treat Venous Insufficiency and Improve Leg Appearance

CVI treatment focuses on improving blood flow, easing discomfort, and restoring the look of your legs. A personalized treatment plan depends on how severe your condition is and how your veins respond to earlier care.

Lifestyle and Self-Care

Healthy habits can make a noticeable difference.

• Exercise regularly: Walk, swim, or cycle several times a week. These activities strengthen the calf muscles and push blood back toward the heart, reducing pressure in the leg veins.
• Elevate your legs: Rest with your legs raised above heart level for a few minutes each day. Leg elevation reduces swelling and improves comfort.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying extra weight adds strain to the venous valves and slows circulation. Reaching a healthy range lowers the risk of venous reflux.
• Avoid sitting with your legs hanging down: Keep your feet supported when seated. This position prevents blood from pooling in the deep and superficial veins and promotes steady circulation.

Consistent care like this supports blood flow, protects your veins, and reduces the risk of leg ulcers and other complications.

Compression Therapy

Doctors often recommend that patients wear compression stockings. They apply gentle pressure that supports venous blood flow and reduces swelling. 

Regular use also helps prevent stasis dermatitis and new leg ulcers from forming.

Choose stockings with the right strength and size. Your doctor or vein specialist can help you find a comfortable fit for daily wear.

Medical and Surgical Options

When lifestyle changes and compression therapy are not enough, medical procedures can correct or close the damaged veins.

These treatments improve blood flow, reduce pain, and restore the natural look of your legs. Most are minimally invasive and performed in a clinic with little recovery time.

Common treatment options include:

• Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure uses controlled heat to close the affected vein. Once it seals, blood reroutes through nearby healthy veins. This helps ease pressure, swelling, and visible vein symptoms.
• Sclerotherapy: During this procedure, a mild solution is injected into reticular veins or smaller varicose veins. The vein closes gradually and fades as the body absorbs it over time.
• Vein ligation or vascular surgery: In some cases, large veins such as the great saphenous vein require surgical attention. The doctor ties off or removes the damaged section to restore better circulation. This may be needed when scar tissue or narrowed veins affect blood flow.

Surgery also helps leg ulcers heal faster and lowers the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome or pulmonary embolism.

Treating chronic venous insufficiency early improves comfort, supports healing, and gives your legs a healthier appearance.

Trust Wellness and Pain to Revive the Health and Appearance of Your Legs

Untreated chronic venous insufficiency can cause skin changes, venous leg ulcers, and persistent discomfort. Early treatment protects your veins, restores circulation, and improves leg appearance.

At Wellness and Pain, diagnosis begins with a detailed ultrasound that detects problems in the deep veins or perforating veins.

This precise evaluation helps the medical team create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific condition.

Available treatments include compression therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and other minimally invasive procedures that repair or close damaged veins.

In more advanced cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to restore proper blood flow and strengthen the calf muscle pump.

These treatments relieve discomfort, reduce swelling, and help your legs look and feel healthier. Many patients notice visible improvement and lighter legs within a few weeks.

Don’t wait for chronic venous insufficiency to worsen or cause serious health threats. Book your consultation with Wellness and Pain to restore the natural beauty of your legs.

FAQs About Venous Insufficiency

How do you treat venous insufficiency in the leg?

Treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Mild cases improve with compression therapy, leg elevation, and daily exercise.

Severe cases may need radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, or surgery to close damaged veins. Early treatment prevents blood clots and protects your skin.

Does venous insufficiency go away?

It doesn’t go away without treatment. Once valves weaken, they stay that way. Proper care can control symptoms and prevent venous ulcers. With consistent treatment, swelling improves, and wounds often become a healed ulcer.

Can you heal venous insufficiency naturally?

You can’t completely reverse venous insufficiency naturally, but healthy habits can make a difference. Try to lose weight, stay active, and avoid sitting or standing for long periods.

Eating a balanced diet and elevating your legs each day also supports blood flow and prevents worsening symptoms.

Does exercise help venous insufficiency?

Yes. Exercise strengthens your calf muscles and improves blood return to the heart. Regular movement prevents blood clots and reduces symptoms like restless legs syndrome.

Surgery used to be the main option for treating large varicose veins. It involved removing damaged veins, which meant a hospital stay, visible scars, and a long recovery. While it worked for some, many found it too invasive, and veins often returned over time.

Now, better solutions exist. Minimally invasive treatments use laser, radiofrequency, or medical adhesives to close off damaged veins with little discomfort. These procedures work quickly, allowing blood to reroute to healthier veins without surgery.

This guide covers the best treatments for large varicose veins, from simple lifestyle changes to advanced medical options.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins develop when blood collects in the veins instead of flowing properly back to the heart. This happens when vein walls weaken and valves inside the veins stop closing as they should. Instead of moving upward, blood flows backward and builds up, putting extra pressure on the vein.

As pressure increases, veins stretch, twist, and become more visible under the skin. Superficial veins close to the skin’s surface are the most commonly affected. Large varicose veins can cause aching, swelling, and discomfort, especially after long periods of standing or sitting. In some cases, they may lead to complications like ulcers or blood clots.

People with venous disease often experience daily pain, swelling, or fatigue in the legs. While some seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, others need relief from worsening symptoms.

Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins develop over time due to a combination of genetics, lifestyle habits, and physical strain on the veins. While anyone can develop them, some factors increase the risk.

Genetics and Aging

Family history is one of the strongest predictors of varicose veins. If a parent or close relative has them, there’s a higher chance of developing them. Veins also weaken with age, making it harder for valves to keep blood moving in the right direction.

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Jobs that require standing for long hours, such as nursing, retail, or factory work, put extra strain on leg veins. Sitting for long periods without movement also slows circulation, making it harder for veins to push blood back to the heart.

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills affect vein elasticity. Increased progesterone levels cause veins to relax, which can lead to blood pooling. This is why varicose veins are more common in women than in men.

Obesity and Increased Pressure on Veins

Excess body weight puts added pressure on leg veins, making it harder for blood to circulate properly. Over time, this can weaken vein walls and valves, leading to swelling and bulging veins.

Previous Vein Conditions or Leg Injuries

A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots can damage valves inside the veins, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins. Previous leg injuries or surgeries may also weaken the vein structure, leading to poor circulation.

Treatment Options for Large Varicose Veins

Varicose veins won’t go away on their own, but several treatments can reduce discomfort and improve circulation. Some methods help manage symptoms, while others close or remove damaged veins. Treatment depends on the size of the veins, symptoms, and overall health.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatments focus on symptom relief rather than removing varicose veins. These methods help reduce swelling, aching, and fatigue in the legs.

Compression stockings gently squeeze the legs to support blood flow and assist veins in pushing blood upward. They can reduce discomfort and slow the progression of varicose veins but will not make them disappear.

Lifestyle adjustments such as walking, maintaining a healthy weight, and elevating the legs help prevent varicose veins from worsening. Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting also supports better circulation.

Self-care habits like wearing loose clothing, drinking enough water, and stretching throughout the day improve blood flow. These methods provide relief but do not shrink large varicose veins.

People who experience ongoing pain or worsening symptoms may benefit from minimally invasive procedures.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Doctors can now treat varicose veins without surgery. These procedures close off damaged veins so that blood flows through healthier ones instead.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (UGS) is a more precise version of sclerotherapy that treats deeper veins. A doctor uses ultrasound imaging to diagnose varicose veins and place the injection in the exact location needed.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) treats larger varicose veins by delivering laser energy inside the affected vein. The heat seals the vein shut, forcing blood to move through healthier veins. This procedure requires only a small incision and has minimal downtime.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) works like EVLA but uses radiofrequency energy instead of a laser. Heat from radio waves collapses the vein, which improves circulation and reduces symptoms. Doctors often use RFA for larger veins that cause pain or swelling.

Advanced Treatment Options for Large Varicose Veins

Some large varicose veins that do not respond to conservative or standard minimally invasive treatments might need advanced non-surgical procedures like VenaSeal or specialized endovenous techniques.

VenaSeal Medical Adhesive

VenaSeal closes varicose veins using a medical adhesive instead of heat. Doctors insert a small catheter into the affected vein and apply the adhesive, which seals the vein. Blood then flows through healthier veins, improving circulation.

Unlike laser or radiofrequency treatments, VenaSeal does not use heat, reducing the risk of nerve damage in certain areas of the leg. This procedure also eliminates the need for compression stockings after treatment, making it a convenient option for many patients.

Phlebectomy for Severe Cases

Phlebectomy removes problem veins through small incisions in the skin. Doctors use a special tool to extract the damaged vein in sections. The tiny incisions usually do not require stitches.

In rare cases where minimally invasive treatments are not an option, doctors may consider traditional vein surgery, such as vein stripping. However, these procedures are now uncommon due to the success of modern, non-surgical treatments.

Wellness and Pain treats varicose veins using minimally invasive procedures that close damaged veins and restore healthy blood flow.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat energy to seal larger varicose veins, reducing pain, swelling, and heaviness in the legs. This quick and effective procedure requires no downtime, allowing patients to return to their normal routines right away.

Don’t let aching, swollen legs disrupt your routine. Schedule a consultation with Wellness and Pain today and get lasting relief from varicose vein symptoms.

FAQs About Best Treatment for Large Varicose Veins

How do you treat large varicose veins?

Doctors use minimally invasive procedures like endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and sclerotherapy to close damaged veins and redirect blood flow. 

In rare cases where non-surgical treatments are not suitable, doctors may explore alternative options such as VenaSeal or a combination of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and compression therapy.

What is the most successful treatment for varicose veins?

EVLA and RFA are among the most effective treatments for large varicose veins. Both methods use heat energy to seal off damaged veins, providing lasting relief with minimal recovery time. VenaSeal, which uses medical adhesive, is another highly effective option.

What is the best non-surgical treatment for varicose veins?

Sclerotherapy and VenaSeal offer non-surgical solutions for smaller varicose veins. For larger veins, EVLA and RFA provide minimally invasive alternatives that avoid the need for traditional surgery.

Compression stockings help reduce swelling and discomfort, but they do not remove varicose veins. They are often recommended alongside other treatments to improve circulation and manage symptoms.

What is the newest treatment for varicose veins?

VenaSeal is one of the newest treatments available. It uses a medical adhesive to close varicose veins without heat or multiple injections. This method reduces discomfort and eliminates the need for compression stockings after treatment.