Venous disease

Venous disease occurs when the veins in your legs struggle to move blood back to your heart efficiently. This common condition includes varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and it can range from a cosmetic concern to a more serious health issue. With the right care, most people with venous disease find relief and protect their long-term vein health.

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A medical illustration detailing the cardiovascular system.

Anatomy of the veins

Your veins carry blood back to your heart with the help of one-way valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. In your legs, this means working against gravity, which requires healthy valves and strong vein walls.

When these valves weaken or become damaged, blood can pool or flow backward in the veins, a condition known as venous insufficiency. In some cases, blood clots can form in the deeper veins, which is known as deep vein thrombosis. Over time, poor circulation in the veins can lead to swelling, visible varicose veins and changes in the skin of the legs.

Overview

Symptoms

Venous disease can cause a range of symptoms depending on its type and severity. Common signs include:

Swelling in the legs or ankles
Aching, heaviness or fatigue in the legs
Visible bulging or twisted veins near the skin's surface
Itching or skin discoloration around the lower legs
Leg cramps, especially at night
Sudden swelling, warmth or pain in one leg, which can signal a blood clot

Symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting and may improve when you elevate your legs.

Causes

Venous disease develops when the valves inside your veins weaken or become damaged, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently back to the heart. Common contributors include:

Prolonged standing or sitting
Increased pressure in the veins over time
Inactivity or limited movement, which can raise the risk of blood clots
Previous blood clots or vein damage

In some cases, venous disease develops gradually over many years without a single clear cause.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing venous disease, though having one or more of these doesn't mean you'll develop this condition:

Age, since vein valves can weaken over time
Family history of varicose veins or venous disease
Pregnancy
Obesity
Jobs or lifestyles that involve long periods of standing or sitting
A history of blood clots

Knowing your risk factors can help you and your care team make informed decisions about prevention and treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing venous disease typically starts with a conversation about your symptoms and a physical exam of your legs. Your care team may also use imaging tests to evaluate blood flow and check for clots. Common tests include:

Duplex ultrasound, which uses sound waves to show how blood moves through your veins and identify blockages or backward flow
Venography, an imaging test that may be used in certain cases to get a more detailed look at the veins

A medical illustration of a leg with focus on the leg muscles and blood vessels.

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Learn what causes varicose veins, how lifestyle changes may help and what treatment options can ease symptoms and prevent complications.

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