Vein Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Vein Disease?

Vein disease, often referred to as venous disease or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), is a condition when veins—particularly in the legs—have trouble sending blood back to the heart. This happens when tiny one-way valves in the veins become weak or damaged, causing blood to flow backward instead (referred to as reflux) and pool in the lower extremities. This increases pressure in the leg veins causing pain, swelling, bulging veins, and can range in severity.

Vein Disease or Venous Disease or Varicose vein and Faulty valve. Chronic Venous Insufficiency or venous reflux.

It's estimated that over 30 million Americans have at least one form of venous disease, but many don't know it. Recognizing the signs early and seeking timely treatment can help prevent complications and significantly improve the overall quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors of Vein Disease

Vein disease typically develops when the valves inside the veins become weakened or damaged, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the legs. While this can occur due to aging or genetic predisposition, several lifestyle and health-related factors can significantly increase a person’s risk. Understanding these causes and risk factors is essential for both prevention and early intervention.

Factors that contribute to valve damage include:

Age – The risk increases as we age.
Genetics – A family history of vein disease increases susceptibility.
High blood pressure – Puts an extra strain on the vein walls leading to weakening and stretching over time.
Prolonged sitting or standing – Remaining in the same position for long periods can reduce healthy blood flow in the legs.
Pregnancy – Hormonal changes (progesterone), increased blood volume, and pressure of a growing baby against the pelvic veins can contribute to weakened vein wall and poor valve function.
Obesity – Excessive weight adds stress to the veins.
Lifestyle – A sedentary lifestyle with lack of movement can slow circulation and lead to blood pooling in the legs.
Gender – Women are more prone to certain vein conditions, especially during pregnancy or hormonal changes.
Smoking – Smoking damages blood vessels, reduces circulation, and weakens vein walls, all of which can contribute to the development of vein disease.

Symptoms of Vein Disease

Pain in legs, aching or heaviness in the legs – Especially after standing or sitting for long periods.
Swelling – Commonly in the ankles, calves, or feet.
Visible veins – Twisted, bulging varicose veins or fine, red spider veins.
Itching or burning – Over the affected veins.
Skin discoloration – Often around the ankles or lower legs.
Cramping or throbbing – Usually in the calves, especially at night.
Restlessness – A sensation of needing to move the legs.
Ulcers or sores – Slow-healing wounds near the ankles, a sign of advanced vein disease.
Tightness or discomfort – Especially after long periods of inactivity.

Prevention of Vein Disease

While some risk factors like age and genetics can't be controlled, many lifestyle habits can help reduce your risk of developing vein disease or slow its progression. Making healthy choices and being proactive can go a long way in protecting your vein health.

Prevention Tips:

Stay physically active with regular walking or leg-strengthening exercises
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods without movement
Elevate your legs periodically to improve circulation
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on leg veins
Wear compression stockings if recommended by a healthcare provider
Avoid tight clothing that restricts blood flow around the waist or legs
Follow a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in salt
Stay hydrated to support healthy blood flow
Refrain from smoking, which can damage blood vessels

Taking simple steps every day can go a long way in protecting your vein health. Combined, these habits can help prevent the development or progression of vein disease and keep your legs feeling their best.

Types of Vein Disease

Vein problems are some of the most widespread chronic health conditions in the U.S. By age 50, nearly 40% of women and 20% of men have serious leg vein problems.

Diseases of the veins fall into two broad categories: blockage from a blood clot (thrombosis) and inadequate venous drainage (insufficiency).

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Develops when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep, larger veins within the body, most commonly in the muscle of the legs. This condition can cause intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected limb. DVT is a serious vein disease, as the blood clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, resulting in a life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism. It is critical to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent dangerous complications.

Spider Veins

spider vein treatment at Twin Lakes Heart & Vein Center in Boca Raton, FL

Superficial leg veins, more commonly known as spider veins, occur when smaller blood vessels near the surface of the skin are damaged caused by blood flow issues. They may appear in clusters that resemble spider webs or tree branches and typically look red, blue, or purple. While far less severe than varicose veins, they can still cause discomfort, aching, or self-consciousness about appearance. Visiting a vein and vascular specialist can help you understand the underlying cause, rule out more serious circulation problems, and explore treatment options to improve both your vein health and confidence.

Varicose Veins

varicose vein treatment at Twin Lakes Heart & Vein Center in Boca Raton, FL

Varicose veins are more serious than spider veins and often appear raised and bulging. They develop when excessive blood pressure causes veins to enlarge, twist, and protrude. They may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, itching, swelling, or a heavy, aching sensation in the legs. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to complications like skin changes, ulcers, or even blood clots, making early evaluation and treatment by a vein specialist essential.

Venous Reflux Disease (VRD)

Occurs when the veins fail to properly return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs. This condition most commonly affects the lower extremities and, if left untreated, can progress into Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)—a more serious and persistent form of vein disease.

Venous Ulcer

Ulcers are open skin sores. Venous ulcers occur because of damaged valves in the leg veins. These valves control the blood pressure inside the veins. When these valves fail, blood pressure stays high during walking—a condition called sustained venous hypertension—which can lead to ulcers, especially around the ankles.

Diagnosing Vein Disease

vein diagnostics testing at Twin Lakes Heart & Vein Center in Boca Raton, FL

Vein disease is typically diagnosed through a physical exam, medical and family history, and painless imaging tests, which allows doctors to assess blood flow and identify damaged or malfunctioning veins. Early detection is key to preventing complications and guiding effective treatment.

Twin Lakes Heart Center uses the most advanced technology to detect, assess, and diagnose vein conditions. If you need to schedule a vein diagnostic test, schedule an appointment online or contact us at (561) 241-4210.

Clinical Examination: A physical assessment, including visual inspection of the legs and discussion of symptoms and medical history.
Imaging:
- Duplex Ultrasound: The most common non-invasive test to assess blood flow and detect valve dysfunction or blood clots.
- Doppler Ultrasound: Measures the direction and speed of blood flow in the veins.
- Ankle Brachial Index (ABI): Compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to rule out arterial disease, which may influence treatment decisions for vein conditions.

Treatment Options for Vein Disease

Endo venous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy and emits heat to close off diseased veins, primarily varicose veins. This procedure is an alternative to surgery and offers advantages like fewer complications, shorter recovery times, and less pain.

Superficial Laser Treatment – Also known as surface laser therapy, is a non-invasive procedure used to treat superficial veins like spider veins and small varicose veins. It involves directing a laser beam at the veins, which heats them and eventually destroys them. This leads to the veins being reabsorbed by the body, and the treated areas become less visible over time.

Intense Pulsed Light – Delivers a concentrated pulse of light to the varicose vein, generating heat and damaging the walls of the vein. The vein shrinks and disappears. The surrounding tissue is not harmed during the treatment.
Phlebectomy Treatment – Also called microphlebectomy, is a procedure that extracts sections of the varicose veins that lie just beneath the surface of the leg through small incisions (cuts) in the skin. After the procedure, there is a noticeable reduction in varicose veins and a significant relief of pain.

Sclerotherapy Treatment – Sclerotherapy treats both varicose and spider veins using a concentrated, injectable foam. Once injected directly into the affected varicose or spider vein, the solution adheres to the vein walls, causing the veins to collapse and redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. After treatment, circulation improves, and the visible appearance of the veins disappears.

Spider Veins Treatment – Spider vein treatment typically involves procedures like sclerotherapy and laser therapy to reduce their visibility and alleviate any associated discomfort. Laser treatment is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser light to eliminate or reduce the appearance of spider veins. The laser heat selectively destroys the abnormal blood vessel walls, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.

Varicose Veins Treatment – Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures or a combination of both, depending on the severity of the condition. There are several minimally invasive medical treatments available. Endo-venous ablation of the incompetent truncal veins is performed using non-compounded foam. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to close off the affected veins. In some cases, microphlebectomy—a procedure that removes varicose veins through tiny skin incisions—may be recommended. Consulting with a vein specialist can help determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual needs and overall vein health.

Vein Diagnostics and Treatment in Florida

Twin Lakes Heart Center is a leading provider of specialized vein diagnosis and treatment in Boca Raton, FL and the surrounding communities. As part of a comprehensive cardiovascular practice, we combine cutting-edge technology with a patient-first approach to care for conditions like spider veins, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, and leg swelling. We use advanced diagnostics—including duplex and doppler ultrasound and ankle-brachial index (ABI)—to assess vein health and create tailored treatment plans.

We offer a range of minimally invasive procedures performed right in our office, including various laser therapies, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and phlebectomy. These treatments typically last under an hour, depending on the severity, with no need for hospital stays—you’re back on your feet and home the same day.

At Twin Lakes Heart Center, our goal is to restore healthy circulation, relieve symptoms, and help you regain confidence through expert care that supports lasting vein health.

Schedule a Vein Appointment