WHAT IS VEIN DISEASE?

Veins contain valves and venous disease results from damage to vein valves. Venous Reflux Disease (also known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency) occurs when faulty valves allow the blood in the veins to flow backwards and pool in the lower half of the body. The increased pressure from the pooled blood leads to veins becoming elongated, dilated, and gnarled (or varicose). In turn, these veins fail, leading to greater compromise of proper blood flow back to the heart. Under the force of gravity, the increasing pool of uncirculating venous blood leads to venous hypertension. 

Venous hypertension may result in inflammation and congestion in the tissue of the legs, and is responsible for the symptoms of venous insufficiency, which can include edema, pain, skin discoloration, leg cramping, leg fatigue, ad restlessness. Vein problems increase with age, can progress to the point of being disabling, and should not be ignored. Most insurance companies cover treatment of venous disease.