Leg Vein Conditions

Woman's left leg shows various vein conditions

Understanding your condition is the first step to healthy legs. Our vein experts can help.

Our board-certified vein specialists know how to diagnose and treat vein issues. Their patient success stories include patients who have been misdiagnosed or received ineffective treatments elsewhere. Visit us first and benefit from our team’s years of experience.

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Explore Vein Conditions

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the tiny valves in the veins of the leg don’t work properly.

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Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.

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Heavy Legs

Legs that feel heavy, achy and tired make walking difficult. This issue may be caused by poor circulation.

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Leg Lymphedema

Leg lymphedema is a buildup of lymph fluid. Phlebolymphedema is a specific form caused when the lymph system is damaged by CVI.

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Leg Swelling & Discoloration

Swelling and skin changes on your legs aren't just uncomfortable. They are potential signs of a venous disorder.

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Spider Veins

These squiggly red, blue or purple blood vessels appear near the surface of the skin. They are usually harmless but may indicate a serious issue.

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Superficial Thrombophlebitis

This happens when a vein near the skin's surface becomes inflamed due to a blood clot or when a catheter is inserted.

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Varicose Veins

These enlarged veins look like thick, blue, green or purple ropes beneath the surface of the skin. They appear when blood begins to pool in the legs.

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Venous Stasis Dermatitis

This condition appears as swollen skin and red, gray, purple or brown patches on the skin. It's caused by blood pooling in the veins.

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Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers are painful open skin sores on the legs. Without treatment, the sores may become infected and eat away at tissue and bone underneath.

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How Leg Veins Work

Veins move blood from your feet and legs up to your chest against gravity and over a distance. They accomplish this task through a calf muscle pump and one-way valves. As you move your legs, veins are compressed by muscles, and blood moves up to the heart via the one-way valves in the veins.

When the one-way valves are damaged, the blood moves in both directions,  which causes abnormal pressure (venous hypertension) and symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, itching, cramping, heaviness, fatigue, discomfort and restless legs.

The abnormal pressures can also cause varicose veins, spider veins, ulcers, skin discoloration and thickening. Symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated.

illustration of normal vein function vs a how a varicose vein functions

Common Signs of Vein Disease

Superficial venous reflux develops when the vein valves that keep blood flowing out of your legs and back to your heart become damaged or diseased. Common symptoms of superficial venous reflux in your legs include:

  • Varicose veins
  • Leg or ankle swelling
  • Leg ulcers
  • Heaviness and fatigue in your legs
  • Leg pain, aching or cramping
  • Burning or itching of the skin
  • Restless legs
  • Skin changes on your legs

This condition is progressive and may worsen if left untreated.

Woman wearing orange shirt touches her legs, which show spider veins

The Stages of Vein Disease

Stages of vein disease, with detail
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can develop at any age, but advanced age is a risk factor. CVI also tends to be more prevalent in people who:
  • Have a family history of CVI
  • Work jobs that require them to spend a great deal of time standing or sitting
  • Travel long distance frequently
  • Have been pregnant
  • Do not exercise consistently or are overweight
  • Have had previous surgery/trauma or blood clots