What Is Vein Disease? Vein disease, or venous insufficiency, is a condition when the veins in the legs do not properly return blood flow back to your heart. Damaged or weakened veins cause blood to flow backward and pool in the legs. This leads to visible, painful, or swollen veins. Risk Factors Symptoms Diagnosing & Treating Vein Disease Experts Without treatment, chronic venous insufficiency can be very painful and debilitating. It is important to consult a vein specialist for a proper diagnosis. Our cardiologists are among the most renowned venous disease specialists in the nation. This includes not only treatment for varicose veins, but many other conditions which can affect the health and strength of the veins as well. Especially if you have symptoms, it is important to visit a vein specialist. Click below to schedule a vein consult today. Schedule an Appointment Causes Risk Factors Symptoms Treatment What Causes Vein Disease? Vein disease begins as the result of damaged valves within the veins themselves. The primary function of veins is to return blood from the body to the heart. Muscle contractions in the legs help accomplish this goal by pushing the blood flow upward, against gravity. At the same time, valves inside the veins open to allow blood to flow in the correct direction and close to prevent it from coming back. However, when valves become weak or damaged, they may not be able to stop the backward flow of blood and subsequent pooling in the veins. Over time, this leads to the darkening, swelling and twisting of varicose veins. What are the Risk Factors Associated with Vein Disease? There are a number of risk factors which can lead to the development of vein disease. While not all of these are controllable, some can be directly influenced by the patient. Read More about the Risk Factors HERE What are the Symptoms of Vein Disease? Vein disease may produce no bothersome symptoms at all. However, in cases which do become symptomatic. Read More about the Symptoms HERE Diagnosing Vein Disease Diagnosing vein disease relies on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. To confirm the presence of vein disease, a physician may use a variety of methods. Learn More about Diagnosing & Treatments HERE How Can Vein Disease Be Prevented? While certain risk factors for varicose veins are beyond a patient’s control, there are steps that can be taken to minimize varicose veins and their impact on the body. These include: Physical Activity – In order to alleviate pressure in the veins and encourage blood flow, it’s important to take regular breaks from sitting by getting up to move and by elevating the legs for 15-minute intervals at least three times per day. Exercise programs such as walking and yoga are also useful to incorporate. Compression Stockings – Damaged veins have difficulty maintaining their proper position. This can lead to the pooling of blood, pain, and swelling often associated with varicose veins. Compression stockings can help combat this by aiding in vein placement. Diet & Lifestyle – Eating a healthy diet of proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber can help control weight. Likewise, patients should limit sodium and focus on drinking healthy amounts of water each day. Treatments & Procedures Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Endovenous Laser Therapy Phlebectomy Treatment Radiofrequency Ablation Sclerotherapy Treatment Spider Vein Treatment Varicose Veins Varithena Veingogh Treatment CIS Leg & Vein Centers operate in the following areas: Baton Rouge 8401 Picardy AvenueBaton Rouge, LA 70809 Phone (225) 308-0247 Toll-Free (225) 308-0247 Fax (225) 308-0249 Gray 191 Innovation Court, Suite AGray, LA 70359 Phone (985) 303-4100 Toll-Free (877) 846-0132 Fax (985) 303-4101 Houma 225 Dunn StreetHouma, LA 70360 Phone (985) 876-0300 Toll-Free (800) 445-9676 Fax (985) 876-4605 Jennings 422 Kade Drive, Suite 1Jennings, LA 70546 Phone (337) 388-6200 Toll-Free (844) 625-0436 Fax (337) 388-6201 Lafayette on Heymann 441 Heymann BoulevardLafayette, LA 70503 Phone (337) 289-8429 Toll-Free (877) 588-8429 Fax (337) 289-8431 Lafayette on Ambassador 2730 Ambassador Caffery ParkwayLafayette, LA 70506 Phone (337) 988-1585 Toll-Free (800) 582-2435 Fax (337) 981-4694 Meridian 4909 Great River DriveMeridian, MS 39305 Phone (601) 282-8980 Toll-Free (844) 643-6200 Fax 601-693-6561 New Iberia 500 North Lewis Street, Suite 100New Iberia, LA 70563 Phone (337) 367-5200 Toll-Free (800) 555-7604 Fax (337) 369-3074 Opelousas 1233 Wayne Gilmore Circle, Suite 450Opelousas, LA 70570 Phone (337) 942-3006 Toll-Free (800) 553-2394 Fax (337) 942-7744 Thibodaux 1320 Martin Luther King DriveThibodaux, LA 70301 Phone (985) 446-2021 Toll-Free (800) 340-7030 Fax (985) 493-3818 Westbank 1901 Manhattan Blvd, Building A, Suite 200Harvey, LA 70058 Phone (504) 354-5252 Toll-Free (833) 620-5252 Fax (504) 354-5253 Zachary 6550 Main Street, Suite 1000Zachary, LA 70791 Phone (225) 654-1559 Toll-Free (877) 654-3965 Fax (225) 654-6212