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 radiofrequency or laser energy to close an incompetent superficial truncal vein, such as the great or small saphenous vein.

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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"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

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"If you are going ANYWHERE else to have a vein procedure, I feel sorry for you. Dr. Magnant and his staff are the BEST in the Biz hand down!"
– Melinda M.

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"I had a procedure today with Dr Magnant and his staff and they were incredible. I have a huge fear of needles and they eased my fear and I had a really pleasant experience. They are all so professional, knowledgeable an...
– Vicki T.

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"I was so glad I went to Vein Specialists. After the ultrasound process, I received a thorough review of the results from Dr. Magnant and finally had an answer to why my legs were so sore! I look forward to getting the p...
– Alex H.

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"Dr Magnant in my opinion is an excellent physician and so kind and caring. He did an excellent job on my legs. Not to forget how patient and positive the staff is. It was an excellent experience. Thanks to all."
– Patricia E.

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"I just finished my second round of procedures on my legs. My first round was a couple years ago. I have not had this much relief in many years. My veins were so bad prior to my first procedure. I had pain, swelling, and...
– David Weicht

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"Life-Changing Vein Treatment Experience with Dr. Magnant and His Team at Vein Specialists. I want to take a moment to share my extraordinary experience with Dr. Magnant and his exceptional team, both at Bonita Springs ...
– Wayne Walkotten

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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

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"Great staff took me on time"
– William Zisa

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"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.

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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.