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.

Back of legs with varicose veins with person standing outside in nature. — 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.

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What Causes Vein Disease?

Vein disease usually develops over time. Some things you can’t change, and others you can improve. Common risk factors include:

Family history: If close relatives have vein problems, you’re more likely to develop them too.
Getting older: Veins and vein valves can weaken with age.
Being female: Hormones can affect vein strength, so vein problems are more common in women.
Extra weight: More weight can put extra pressure on the veins in your legs.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy hormones and the growing uterus can make it harder for blood to return from the legs.
Lots of standing or sitting: Staying in one position for long periods can slow blood flow in the legs.
Past blood clots or leg injury: A previous clot or injury can damage vein valves and lead to long-term vein problems.

If you have symptoms like aching, heaviness, swelling, or visible varicose veins, a vein ultrasound can help determine the cause and the best treatment.

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.

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

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"Best care possible! Had to get vein treatment on both legs, so I had multiple visits, and each time the office staff was kind, as well as the medical staff being wonderful. Everyone was excellent at making me feel at ea...
– Jamie G.

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"I love this place and its doctor! They are kind, patient, knowledgeable and informative of everything. I'm glad I chose Vein Specialists for my varicose vein issues!"
– Carissa R.

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"Dr Magnant and his staff are the greatest professionals in a medical office. They take time with you and make sure all your questions are answered. Dr. Magnant makes your procedure go so smooth and pain free."
– Karen C.

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"Dr Magnant and his staff are excellent and deliver the highest quality of care. While under care of Dr Magnant and his staff i've undergone Microphlebectomies, Endovenus Ablation and IVUS. After undergoing treatment, I ...
– Dan C.

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"Such an Exceptional Experience with Dr. Magnant at Vein Specialist in Bonita Springs! I recently had my second leg procedure with Dr. Magnant at Vein Specialist in Bonita Springs, and I couldn't be happier with the res...
– Jennifer M.

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"The front desk, Miss Bonnie; the. MA; The PA, Sharon were friendly, Patient and professional. Thank you"
– Bo Gover

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"I recently returned for my second leg procedure at Vein Specialists in Fort Myers. I was initially skeptical when I had my first leg done due to chronic issues and atrophy from nerve damage. Dr. Magnant was honest about...
– Gregory Weichert

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"My legs feel so much better. Better than they have in years. So happy with the results. Doctor and staff are the best. Very efficient and upbeat."
– Jayne N.

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"Thank you Dr. Magnant for your amazing work. It's a fabulous feeling to see the results of having no more pain and swelling. Best part of it, was your surgical table side manner."
– Darlene R.

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"I have been to three doctors trying to find out what is causing the burning and pain in my lower legs. Finally the total experience and professionalism was such a welcome surprise. I finally have options to correct my s...
– Gary S.

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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.