Venous Disease

About 15 percent of adults in America have venous disease, which is caused by abnormal veins. When vein vessels become damaged or weak, blood flows backwards and causes the veins to stretch, swell and twist. Venous disease, however, may not present itself until leg pain or skin problems emerge.

Symptoms of Venous Disease:   

• Swelling or heaviness in legs
• Leg pain or cramping
• Visible varicose or spider veins
• Discoloration of skin
• Dry or weeping eczema
• Leg ulcers
• Restless legs

One of the most common and visible signs of venous disease is spider veins – the small, purple or blue clusters of veins on the leg. Spider veins typically do not cause discomfort, but if they become painful it is important to meet with a physician who is qualified in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Varicose veins are larger, bluish veins that may appear enlarged.

Venous disease can progressively get worse over time due to the pressure created by the backflow of blood in the legs. This may lead to additional spider and varicose veins, and in some cases can lead to swelling and venous ulcers at the lower calf and ankle. Even if only spider veins are present, you should consult a vein specialist to determine the problem so that it can be treated.

Vein Center Locations

CIS operates vein centers in the following areas: Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Houma, New Iberia, Zachary, Thibodaux, Opelousas, Jennings, Harvey, and Meridian, Mississippi.