Venous Insufficiency

What Is Venous Insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency happens when the valves in your leg veins don’t work properly, allowing blood to pool in your legs instead of flowing back up to the heart. Over time, this can cause swelling, aching, heaviness, varicose veins, skin changes, and in advanced cases, ulcers near the ankles. It’s a common condition, especially in adults who stand for long periods, are pregnant, are overweight, or have a family history of vein disease.

Why Is It Treated?

Beyond the discomfort and cosmetic concerns, untreated venous insufficiency can lead to chronic swelling, skin damage, and slow-healing wounds. Early treatment relieves symptoms, slows progression, and reduces the risk of complications. Many patients are surprised at how much better their legs feel once the underlying circulation problem is addressed.

What to Expect

Diagnosis typically begins with a venous ultrasound, a painless test that uses sound waves to look at blood flow in your leg veins and identify which valves aren’t working. Based on the results, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan. Most cases are managed conservatively with compression stockings, leg elevation, exercise, and weight management. More advanced cases may benefit from minimally invasive procedures performed at affiliated facilities.

How to Prepare

Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your legs. Bring a list of your current medications and be ready to describe your symptoms: when they’re worse (often end of day or after standing), what relieves them, and whether you’ve had any sores or skin changes near the ankles. If you’ve worn compression stockings or had previous vein procedures, share that history with your doctor.