Wondering if your symptoms could signal vein disease?

Venous Disease / Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Tired, swollen, heavy legs? Aching by the end of the day? These could be more than just signs of getting older — they may be early symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common but progressive condition caused by poor circulation in your leg veins.

What is Venous Disease & CVI?

Venous disease refers to conditions that affect the veins — the blood vessels that return blood to your heart. In your legs, healthy veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward.

When these valves become weak or damaged, blood can pool in the lower legs instead of moving upward. This backward flow is called venous reflux, and over time, it leads to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — a condition that causes pressure to build up inside the veins.

This pressure causes symptoms like heaviness, swelling, skin changes, varicose veins, and in advanced cases, painful leg ulcers. Without treatment, venous disease tends to worsen over time.

What are the stages of Venous Disease?

Venous disease progresses in stages, classified by the CEAP system:

C1: Spider veins
C2: Varicose veins
C3: Swelling (edema) in the legs or ankles
C4: Skin thickening, eczema, or dark discoloration
C5: Healed venous ulcer
C6: Active venous ulcer (non-healing wound)

Even early stages may signal poor circulation and deserve evaluation.

What are common symptoms of CVI?

Some people only notice cosmetic changes. Others experience daily discomfort. Symptoms can include:

Aching, heavy, or tired legs
Swelling in the lower legs or ankles
Bulging, rope-like varicose veins
Itching, burning, or tingling
Restless legs or cramps at night
Skin changes like darkening or hardening
Open sores that don’t heal (venous ulcers)

Left untreated, skin breakdown can lead to painful wounds and infections that may become limb-threatening.

What Causes CVI?

Chronic venous insufficiency is most often caused by:

Weakened or faulty vein valves (often hereditary)
Prior leg injuries or blood clots
Obesity or pregnancy (increased pressure on veins)
Prolonged standing or sitting
Aging and hormonal changes

CVI is especially common in people with a family history of vein disease — but lifestyle factors also play a major role.

How is CVI Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and a venous ultrasound, performed in-office. This non-invasive imaging test allows us to see how well blood is flowing through your veins and identify reflux or blockages.

The ultrasound helps determine which veins need treatment and what type of procedure is most appropriate.

What are the treatment options for Venous Disease?

Treatment plans are tailored to your specific symptoms, anatomy, and goals. Options include:

Conservative Care

Compression stockings
Leg elevation
Weight loss or exercise
Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing

While helpful for symptom relief, conservative care won’t correct underlying valve damage.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Performed in-office with little or no downtime:

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat to seal the faulty vein
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): A laser fiber collapses the vein
VenaSeal™: A medical adhesive seals the vein shut
Foam Sclerotherapy: A medicated foam collapses smaller veins

These procedures reroute blood flow to healthy veins and improve both symptoms and appearance.

Surgical Options for Advanced Disease

For patients with severe vein damage, chronic ulcers, or who haven’t responded to less invasive treatments, surgery may be the best option. Our vascular surgeons offer advanced surgical care when needed — always with the goal of preserving your limb and restoring your quality of life.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that occur when the valves inside your veins stop working properly. This allows blood to pool in the legs, causing the veins to bulge and become visible beneath the skin.
What are spider veins?

Spider veins are tiny, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the skin’s surface. They’re often red, blue, or purple and most commonly found on the legs or face. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are usually painless but can be a cosmetic concern.
What is vein disease?

Vein disease—also known as chronic venous insufficiency—is a condition where the veins in your legs can’t circulate blood back to the heart efficiently. Over time, this leads to uncomfortable symptoms and visible vein issues.
What causes varicose and spider veins?

A combination of factors can contribute, including genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, aging, and long periods of sitting or standing. Weak or damaged vein valves are the root cause of both conditions.
What symptoms might I notice with varicose or spider veins?

Common symptoms include aching legs, swelling, heaviness, muscle cramps (especially at night), itching, burning, skin discoloration, or even slow-healing sores around the ankles.
Why do varicose veins sometimes get worse?

Several things can trigger flare-ups: standing or sitting too long, hormonal shifts, weight gain, pregnancy, or simply aging. Increased pressure in the legs often intensifies symptoms.
Who is at risk of developing varicose or spider veins?

While anyone can get them, your chances are higher if you have a family history, are over 50, pregnant, overweight, or spend a lot of time on your feet—or sitting still.
Will I be able to return to work after vein treatment?

In most cases, yes! Minimally invasive treatments at Premier Vascular are designed with quick recovery in mind. Patients typically return to normal routines, including work and driving, the same day.
Is vein treatment covered by insurance?

Many vein treatments are considered medically necessary and are covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits and walk you through the process before treatment begins.
Can you help me check my insurance benefits?

Of course! Our patient coordinators are happy to help you understand your coverage. Just give us a call at 478-250-9785.
How do I schedule a consultation?

You can book your appointment by calling our office at 478-250-9785. We’re here to help you find relief and feel confident in your legs again.
Why do I need to wear compression stockings before treatment?

Insurance providers often require a trial period of compression therapy before approving vein procedures. These stockings help reduce swelling and support blood flow. Your provider will recommend the right style and fit based on your condition.
Can I prevent varicose veins?

While there’s no guaranteed way to avoid them, you can reduce your risk by staying active, managing your weight, elevating your legs, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, and following a heart-healthy lifestyle.
What happens if I leave varicose veins untreated?

If ignored, varicose veins can worsen and lead to serious issues like skin damage, leg ulcers, and chronic pain. Many patients also experience lifestyle limitations, such as difficulty standing, walking, or sleeping comfortably.

Why Choose Premier Vascular?

At Premier Vascular, our board-certified vascular surgeons bring years of advanced training, rigorous testing, and real-world expertise to every patient we see. Board certification isn’t just a title — it means we’ve met the highest standards in our field and are qualified to diagnose and treat even the most complex venous conditions using the latest, evidence-based techniques.

But just because we’re surgeons doesn’t mean you’ll need surgery.

In fact, most patients are treated with minimally invasive procedures right here in our outpatient clinic — often with little to no downtime. When surgery is necessary, you can trust that you’re in experienced, compassionate hands.

Unlike clinics that only offer one or two treatment options, we have the full range of tools and expertise to create a care plan that truly fits you. Some providers treat every problem like a nail because all they have is a hammer. At Premier Vascular, we tailor your treatment based on what’s best for your health — not what’s most convenient for us.

And because we’re local to Macon and Central Georgia, we’re not just your providers — we’re your neighbors. Our families live here. Our kids go to school here. We care for our community because we’re a part of it.

From your first consultation to your final follow-up, our team is here to walk with you every step of the way — offering world-class care, right where you live.