Venous insufficiency is a circulatory condition in which the veins in the legs are unable to return blood toward the heart effectively. It may occur when the venous valves do not close properly, when blood flow is obstructed, or when different parts of the venous system are affected. Symptoms can include heaviness, pain, swelling, visible varicose veins and, in more advanced cases, skin changes around the ankles.<\/p>\n
The appearance of the legs alone is not enough to determine the source of the problem. A patient may have only a few visible veins despite significant venous reflux, while another patient with many visible veins may have a relatively normal main superficial venous system. For this reason, a detailed evaluation of the superficial, deep and perforating veins with color Doppler ultrasound<\/strong> is important before planning treatment.<\/p>\n