Between 30-40 million people in the United States are affected by venous diseases also known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Vein disease affects women at a much higher frequency then men. CVI is an easily treatable condition that does not require long term use of medication and can be permanently fixed in the office. If left untreated, venous disease is a progressive problem that can result in lifelong debilitating symptoms such as swelling, pain, skin discoloration and chronic sores that can take months or even years to heal.

Venous disease or venous insufficiency is a condition where the veins in the body, particularly in the legs, have difficulty returning blood to the heart effectively. This condition arises from various risk factors that cause weakened or damaged vein valves. The damaged valves cause poor circulation with blood pooling in the legs leading to increased pressure. Symptoms such as bulging varicose veins, swelling, fatigue, heaviness, itching, burning, restless legs, leg pain, skin discoloration, and open sores are caused by the increased venous pressure. The main contributing factors that lead to vein disease include age, multiple pregnancies, genetics, obesity, prolonged sitting, or extended periods of standing.

Varicose veins appear when the veins in your body stop functioning properly. Typically, veins work on a one-way system using valves to keep the blood from flowing back in the wrong direction. When these valves fail, the veins pool with blood and cause a bulging appearance, skin discoloration, and discomfort. While varicose veins typically affect older patients whose bodies are naturally going through changes, other patients may also experience varicose veins if they are pregnant, are in their first stages of menopause, are obese, or have a family history of vein disorders.