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Same-Day Appointments Available
Most Major Insurance Accepted
Medicare & Medicaid Accepted
Home › Vein Care › Vein Diseases
Vein Health Guide
Vein diseases are conditions that affect the blood vessels responsible for returning blood from the body back toward the heart. While some vein problems cause mainly visible changes, others can produce leg pain, swelling, heaviness, skin discoloration, inflammation or wounds that do not heal normally.
Common vein conditions include varicose veins, spider veins, chronic venous insufficiency, venous reflux, superficial thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis and venous ulcers.
Understanding the type of vein problem you may have is important because treatment and urgency vary significantly from one condition to another. This guide explains the major types of vein disease, common symptoms, risk factors and signs that should prompt medical evaluation.
The Basics
Vein disease is a broad term describing conditions that affect the structure or function of veins.
Veins carry blood back toward the heart. In the legs, veins work against gravity, relying partly on one-way valves and the contraction of the calf muscles to keep blood moving upward.
Different types of venous disease can range from small spider veins to more advanced chronic venous insufficiency.
Conditions
Seek urgent medical attention
Seek immediate medical care for symptoms such as:Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of venous disease. Common signs include:
Early Warning Signs
Vein disease does not always begin with large, visible varicose veins.
These symptoms can have many possible causes, so persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated rather than self-diagnosed.
Causes
Several factors may contribute to venous disease.
Risk Factors
Risk may be greater among people who have one or more of the factors listed here.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will necessarily develop significant vein disease.
Diagnosis
Evaluation begins with understanding your symptoms and medical history.
The appropriate diagnostic workup depends on the patient's symptoms and clinical findings.
Veins vs. Arteries
Vein disease and arterial disease both affect circulation, but they are not the same problem.
Because symptoms can overlap, proper diagnosis is important before assuming that leg discomfort is caused by a vein problem.
Common Questions
Routine Evaluation
Urgent Care
Next Steps
“Vein disease” includes several different conditions rather than one single diagnosis.
Understanding the underlying condition helps determine whether monitoring, conservative care, additional diagnostic testing or treatment should be considered.
Learn More
Schedule Your Visit
If you are experiencing persistent leg swelling, painful varicose veins, heaviness, skin changes or other possible signs of venous disease, Cypress Cardiovascular Institute can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether additional testing is appropriate.
Our cardiovascular team serves patients from Cypress, Houston, Spring, Tomball and surrounding Northwest Houston communities.
The purpose of your visit is first to identify the underlying problem—not to assume that every symptom requires the same treatment.
This information is intended for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms that may represent a medical emergency.
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24518 Northwest Fwy, Ste 325
Cypress, TX 77429
10425 Huffmeister Rd, Ste 330
Houston, TX 77065
24518 Northwest Fwy, Ste 345
Cypress, TX 77429
