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

"Dr. Magnant and his team are amazing!! Long story short this is the doctor one should see for any vein issues. I am so glad he was the doctor I chose to treat my veins. He uses the latest technology and he is a highly r...

– Kasia P.

"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.

"Fantastic experience! Entire staff is friendly, professional and helpful. I had laser ablation, surgical removal of veins and sclerotherapy which occurred over a few different visits. I was amazed that despite being an ...

– Pegah G.

"I had two procedures done on my legs. I was nervous when I went in for the first one, but everyone took great care of me and calmed me down quickly. Dr. Magnant talked to me through the entire procedure and made me feel...

– Cathy 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.

"Everything about my experience was excellent! Dr. Magnant has to be the best, most experienced and personable vein specialist anywhere, and his staff is wonderful too. Would definitely return if I ever need any more of ...

– Debby C.

"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.

"I am so impressed with Dr. magnate and his associates. I had varicose veins surgery today, and it was nearly painless. I Purchased nitrous oxide to relax me through the procedure. I had similar surgery in Kentucky abou...

– Linda R.

"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.

"Great staff took me on time"

– William Zisa

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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