Venous insufficiency can occur in men or women of any age. However, it typically occurs more frequently in those over 50, and women are at a higher risk.
Circulatory Disorder of the Veins
The legs' superficial veins contain a series of one-way valves preventing blood from flowing back toward the feet. When these valves malfunction, blood leaks downwards, causing the veins below the valves to fill with excess blood. The increased pressure in these veins can lead to the development of spider and varicose veins over time.
New York & New Jersey Locations
What Is Venous Insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency is a condition where the leg veins have difficulty returning blood to the heart. This can occur when the valves in the veins that help blood flow back up to the heart become damaged or weakened, causing blood to pool in the legs. Venous insufficiency can lead to the following symptoms:
- Achy, painful legs
- Tired, heavy, fatigued legs
- Swelling of ankles and legs
- Skin discoloration, redness, or inflammation
- Bulging veins (varicose veins)
- Itching, irritation, dryness, tingling, or burning sensation of the skin
- Spider veins
Watch Out for Signs of Venous Insufficiency
Leg Swelling
Even if varicose veins are not visible, swelling in your legs can be due to vein disease. Chronic venous insufficiency causes leg swelling due to the increased venous pressure in the legs from faulty veins. Other more significant considerations for your vein specialist include iliac vein compression or May-Thurner Syndrome seen with deep vein disease.
Heavy Legs
Leg heaviness is another symptom of venous insufficiency. This is particularly true for individuals who spend a considerable amount of time on their feet. If you have noticed leg heaviness at the end of the day, a consultation with a vein specialist can help provide some answers and relief. An early diagnosis can lead to improved results and healthier living.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps can also be a marker of vein disease and poor circulation in the legs. This is perceived as involuntary twitches or muscle spasms commonly during the nighttime. The leg cramps can be quite painful and disrupt everyday routines. This is the most common reason to seek vein treatment.
Evaluation for Vein Disease
Symptoms of vein disease are commonly misinterpreted or dismissed. This is particularly true when varicose veins are unseen. However, the symptoms are progressive and ruin one’s quality of life. At the Vein Specialist Centers, we are sensitive to each person’s vein disease experience and committed to making the correct diagnosis and treatment.
If any of the following risk factors apply to you, we recommend you come in for an evaluation for vein disease.
- Family history of vein disease
- Over 50 years of age
- Female gender
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged standing or sitting
Why Treat Venous Insufficiency?
The primary purpose of treating venous insufficiency is for symptomatic relief and improving visual appearance. However, because vein disease is progressive, long-term benefits may include prevention of skin changes, phlebitis or painful inflammation of the veins due to blood clot formation, and skin discoloration.
Treatment Options
For mild cases of venous insufficiency, there are some at-home treatments, such as elevating the legs to reduce pressure, wearing compression stockings to increase blood flow, and regular exercise. Treatments for more severe vein disease and venous insufficiency include the following.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a widely used medical procedure for the removal of spider veins. It involves the injection of a sclerosant solution into a vein to completely obliterate it. This technique is considered one of the most effective methods for treating spider veins.
RFA
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is the current standard for treating venous insufficiency. It is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves using a small catheter to deliver heat energy to close down the abnormal vein and can be performed directly in the office.
VenaSeal
Using a unique adhesive to close off damaged veins, VenaSeal™ is a safe and equally effective procedure compared to RF ablation.
ClariVein
ClariVein treats underlying venous insufficiency using a small catheter. The process treats the diseased vein both chemically and mechanically.
Microphlebectomy
One of the best treatment options for bulging varicose veins is a brief procedure exclusively offered by skilled vein clinics known as microphlebectomy. The procedure is done under local anesthesia in an office setting, and the vein is removed in small sections through tiny incisions.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Vein Treatments?
The simple answer is yes. Venous insufficiency is a progressive medical condition that can have serious implications. Medically necessary procedures are typically covered by your insurance. This can be determined from your initial visit, including a complete history, physical, and possibly an ultrasound. The results of these tests will help your vein doctor make appropriate treatment plans that are submitted to your insurance carrier for pre-authorization.
Why Choose Vein Specialist Centers?
No matter how minor or severe you believe your condition may be, it’s best practice to receive a professional consultation from NJ’s top clinic for venous insufficiency. At Vein Specialist Centers, our experienced vascular specialists are trained to detect venous insufficiency and devise a plan to improve your quality of life. Contact the vein doctors at Vein Specialist Centers for additional information about venous insufficiency treatments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards healthier circulation.
Our Locations
NYC
635 Madison Avenue, Suite 1400
New York, NY 10022
White Plains
55 W. Red Oak Lane
W. Harrison, NY, 10604
Clifton
905 Allwood Road, Suite 105
Clifton, NJ 07012
Manalapan
50 Franklin Lane, Ste 102
Manalapan NJ 07726
Paramus
2 Sears Drive, Suite 101
Paramus, NJ 07652
Princeton
10 Forrestal Rd S, Suite 201
Princeton NJ 08540
Clark
1457 Raritan Road, Suite 203
Clark, NJ 07066
Wayne
342 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 203
Wayne, NJ 07470
Livingston
22 Old Short Hills Rd, Suite 111
Livingston , NJ 07039
Teaneck
197 Cedar Lane, Suite 2
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Woodbridge Township
1200 Greene Street
Woodbridge Township, NJ 08830
Syosset
115 Eileen Way
Syosset, NY 11791
Great Neck
560 Northern Blvd Suite 204A
Great Neck, NY 11021
Jersey City
2520 John F. Kennedy Blvd Suite C1
Jersey City, NJ 07304
Tinton Falls
55 Gilbert St N, Suite #1101
Tinton Falls, NJ 07701