Diseases of the veins almost exclusively involve the legs. These problems include spider veins (or telangiectasia), varicose veins, leg swelling, and leg ulcers. Symptoms may develop after childbirth, after a blood clot in the veins (thrombophlebitis) or develop slowly over many years. Symptoms range from stinging, aching and heaviness, swelling to ulceration.

Venous diseases can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from arterial diseases and experience is important in arriving at an accurate diagnosis, a key feature in proper treatment.

Treatment can be limited to external compression (stockings) to removal of varicose veins. Varicose veins can be removed with injection (an in-office procedure) or surgically using the Trivex system. Stripping is not always appropriate. Accurate diagnosis of the abnormal veins is again necessary. When vein problems are particularly severe, thickening of the skin above the ankle or even ulceration can occur. This is a serious condition requiring long and diligent care. While most cases are treated without operation, some underlying causes can be effectively treated to hasten healing or prevent recurrence.