Understanding Vein Disease:

Causes, Risk Factors and Finding the Right Treatment

If you suffer from vein disease, you’re not alone. More than 30 million Americans have at least one form of vein disease, also known as venous insufficiency.

It’s much more than just a cosmetic issue – left untreated, vein disease can lead to serious complications.

Vein disease can manifest in a variety of troubling ways, from the unsightly appearance of varicose veins to more serious symptoms like leg swelling and skin discoloration. These vein-related issues can significantly impact your mobility and overall quality of life.

If left untreated, venous disease tends to worsen over time. As the condition progresses, it can severely lower your day-to-day well-being and increase your risk for other dangerous health problems.

Some of the potential complications of untreated vein disease include venous ulcers, infections and even life-threatening blood clots that travel to the lungs.

The right varicose vein treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your condition and its severity. As the original IAC accredited vein clinic in Southwest Florida, our expertise puts you on the right path to the best treatment.

What Causes Vein Disease?

There are several potential causes and risk factors that can contribute to the development of vein disease, including:

  • Heredity: Having a family history of vein disease increases your own risk.
  • Age: Vein disease becomes more common as you get older.
  • Gender: Women are nearly twice as likely to develop venous insufficiency as men. 
  • Obesity: Excess weight puts increased pressure on leg veins.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can temporarily impair vein function.
  • Lack of Movement: Occupations that require prolonged periods of standing can lead to vein disease. 
  • Prior Vein Injury: Previous clots or trauma can damage vein valves.

The Relationship Between Deep Vein Thrombosis and Deep Vein Insufficiency

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major risk factor for deep vein insufficiency. When clots in the deep vein system dissolve, they often leave the valves scarred open.

This results in valves that cannot close properly, allowing blood to reflux back down the legs. While deep vein insufficiency can be managed with compression stockings and elevation, it is not treatable by endovenous techniques like ablation.

Fortunately, only a small percentage of venous insufficiency cases have deep system involvement.

Endovenous Ablation
Endovenous ablation uses radio frequency or LASER energy to seal spider veins.
Dr. Magnant in scrubs
Accredited Facility Vein Center from Intersocietal Accreditation Commission

Why Choose Vein Specialists?

If you are experiencing symptoms like varicose veins, leg heaviness or swelling, it’s important to have your veins evaluated by our experts.

At Vein Specialists, our board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Joseph Magnant and his dedicated team specializes in the latest, most advanced diagnostics and treatments for vein disease.

Don’t let vein disease progression put your health and mobility at risk. The vein specialists at our convenient, IAC-accredited clinics in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs can get you on the path to healthy legs and renewed freedom.

Schedule an appointment at Vein Specialists today to start your journey toward being symptom-free. Let us evaluate your veins and develop a personalized treatment plan so you can reclaim an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Get Varicose Vein Treatment at Our Two Convenient Locations:

What Our Patients are Saying

"I don’t think words can express how lucky I feel that I found Dr. Magnant ... For the very first time I don’t feel alone with my condition, for the very first time I found that people CARE about getting me the best ...

– Sabrina M

"The doctor, the receptionist and the technicians are excellent. They explain everything very well and put your mind at ease. I had a situation and they got me in right away to get me checked out. I highly recommend them...

– Barb D.

"I am so glad that I came here. Every step of the process has been great. Everyone has been very kind and attentive. Dr. Magnant has done a wonderful job. I am now comfortable and confident with my appearance ... I highl...

– Lily B.

"I can’t say enough good things. Dr. Magnant is not only the best at what he does, but the compassion that he and his staff showed through my procedures has made this process so much more bearable."

– Kelsey F.

"Dr. Magnant is awesome! He has created a well-oiled machine. He is great at what he does and incredibly professional, an expert at his craft and yet has an awesome personality to top it off. He and his staff make you fe...

– Jonah N.

"Dr. Magnant and his team at Vein Specialists are top notch! They go out of their way to make you comfortable … Dr. Magnant is very caring and really good at his job. If you have a vein issue, see him!"

– Melanie C.

"Dr Magnant did a great job, he took the time to explain the procedure to me. His staff is very professional and caring. Christina was so helpful and friendly Eva was so sweet and caring! Thanks to all!"

– Joyce Zimmer

"Everyone at Vein Specialists is very professional and very nice. They want to make you comfortable and feel better. I highly recommend Dr. Magnant and his staff."

– Richard C.

"I could not be happier with the professional and welcoming staff at Dr. Magnant's office. I would recommend anyone with leg discomfort to visit Dr. Magnant. He and his office staff were wonderful."

– Susan G.

"I could not be more pleased with Dr. Magnant and his staff. Dr. Magnant explains what is going on, and what he can or cannot do. His staff is friendly, helpful, and caring. No hesitation to recommend his services."

– Ilene B.

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About the Author

Dr. Joseph Magnant is a renowned board-certified vascular surgeon and vein specialist with over 30 years of experience.

Dr. Magnant earned his Doctorate in Medicine from the Medical College of Virginia and completed his General Surgery Residency at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals.

During his general surgery residency, he served as Chief Resident and earned the prestigious IA Bigger Resident Teaching Award. Dr. Magnant completed his Vascular Surgery Fellowship at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire.

Dr. Magnant is widely published in peer-reviewed medical journals such as the Journal of Vascular Surgery.

See Dr. Magnant’s full credentials.

Dr Magnant working on patient