A chart of Femoral Vein, Great Saphenous Vein, and Small Saphenous Vein

Varicose veins may be a sign of something more severe – Venous Reflux Disease.

Venous reflux disease develops when the valves stop working properly and allow blood to flow backward (reflux) and pool in the lower leg veins.  If venous reflux disease is left untreated, symptoms could worsen over time and could lead to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Venous reflux disease is two more times prevalent than coronary artery disease and five times more prevalent than peripheral arterial disease.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Varicose veins
  • Heaviness and Tiredness
  • Aching
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Open Skin Sores
  • Cramping
  • Restlessness

Risk Factors

  • Gender
  • Age (40+)
  • Family history
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Prolonged standing
  • Heavy lifting
  • Obesity
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Smoking

Diagnosis

  • Current general health
  • Physical exam including a review of past medical history and current symptoms
  • Ultrasound or other non-invasive scan to check for the presence of disease

Treatment

FDA approved minimally invasive procedure that uses radio frequency ablation (heat) to seal off the diseased vein to reroute blood to nearby healthy veins.  Average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days following treatment with noticeable improvements in symptoms within 1-2 weeks post-procedure.